Boy Scout advancement is much more challenging and difficult than Cub Scout or Webelos advancement, and it requires much individual effort and initiative. It also emphasizes leadership and service as much as badges and skills. Achieving First Class (which should happen within a year) takes more effort than earning the Webelos Arrow of Light award. And becoming an Eagle Scout is a crowning achievement of youth earned by fewer than 3% of all Scouts.

Advancement requirements for all Scout ranks are shown in the Handbook. To advance, a Scout must be active, must do his best to live by the Scout Law and Promise, practice leadership, give service to others, learn Scout skills (mostly in the outdoors), and earn merit badges (primarily from adult counselors other than his parents).

After completing all requirements for a rank, a Scout meets with one of the uniformed adult leaders in a "Scoutmaster Conference." Finally, he schedules a Board of Review with the troop committee in consultation with the Scoutmaster.