Once you’ve reached First Class, you’re ready to take the next big step in your Scouting journey: earning Star rank. This rank emphasizes leadership, service, and advancement — helping you grow from participant to leader.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the official Star Scout rank requirements, explain what each one means, and offer helpful tips for completing them, based on the BSA’s published criteria.
Official Star Scout Rank Requirements
These requirements come directly from the BSA’s 2019 Star Rank form:
1. Be active in your troop for at least four months as a First Class Scout.
Maintain regular attendance and engagement with meetings, outings, and troop activities. “Active” is determined by your Scoutmaster.
2. Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life.
You’ll be asked to give examples during your Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. Think about how you’ve shown trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, or other Scout values at school, home, or in your community.
3. Earn six merit badges, including any four from the Eagle-required list.
This means you’ll need:
- At least 6 total merit badges
- At least 4 of those must be on the Eagle-required list, which includes:
- First Aid
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Personal Fitness
- Environmental Science or Sustainability, and others
Tip: Some Eagle-required merit badges take multiple months to finish — get started early.
4. While a First Class Scout, serve actively in a position of responsibility for four months.
Eligible positions include:
- Patrol leader
- Assistant senior patrol leader
- Troop guide
- Quartermaster
- Scribe
- Librarian
- Chaplain aide
- Den chief
- Instructor
- Webmaster, and others
The key is not just to hold the position, but to serve actively. Your leaders will evaluate your contribution.
5. Participate in at least six hours of service to others.
This service must be:
- Approved by your Scoutmaster
- Completed after achieving First Class
- Can be done in multiple sessions or one single project
Common options include helping at Eagle projects, food drives, community cleanups, or troop-led service days.
6. With your Scoutmaster, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
This is an informal one-on-one conversation. You’ll reflect on your progress, leadership, and goals for the next rank. Your Scoutmaster will also check that you’re ready for a Board of Review. Check out our in-depth guide with tips for success here.
7. Successfully complete your Board of Review for the Star rank.
A panel of 3–6 registered troop committee members will meet with you to:
- Review your service, merit badges, and leadership
- Discuss how you’re living the Scout Oath and Law
- Talk about your future plans in Scouting
This is not a retest, but a conversation. Be honest, respectful, and thoughtful.
Tips for Completing Star Rank
Start Eagle-Required Merit Badges Early
Some badges take months (like Family Life or Personal Fitness). Knock out quicker ones like First Aid or Citizenship in the Nation early on.
Choose a Leadership Role That Matches Your Skills
If you enjoy teaching, consider Instructor or Troop Guide. If you like organizing gear, Quartermaster may be a good fit.
Log Your Service Hours
Keep a small notebook or digital log of your service with dates, hours, and what you did. Have a leader sign off as you go.
Be Consistent in Participation
Four months of “active” participation means more than just showing up. Contribute at meetings, attend outings, and support your patrol.
What Comes After Star?
Once you’ve earned Star, your next goal is Life Scout, followed by Eagle Scout. You’ll continue to grow in leadership and service, while completing more Eagle-required merit badges and preparing for your Eagle Scout service project.
Final Thoughts
Star Scout is a turning point in your Scouting experience. It’s where you begin to lead, mentor others, and shape the direction of your troop. With planning, commitment, and Scout spirit, you’ll be well on your way to Life and Eagle.
