This guide is written for you, the Scout who will be participating in a Board of Review for rank advancement. It may not answer all your questions, but it does provide a good overview so you will be more prepared to participate in a Board of Review for any rank.

The troop committee is responsible for reviewing all Scouts’ progress within the troop. The purpose of a Board of Review is to determine whether or not a Scout has completed all the requirements for the next rank advancement.

Boards of Review also give you a chance to talk with committee members about your experiences within the troop. A board is a good time to make suggestions or point out problems.

Boards of Review must be scheduled in advance so you and the reviewers can be prepared. The troop generally holds boards of review at least once per month. Let the leaders know when you are ready for your next board.

Once a Board of Review is scheduled, you will be told the exact place and time. The reviews may take place at regular troop meetings and events if the schedule allows.

The reviewers are registered adults on the troop committee. To keep the reviews fair, you cannot be reviewed by your parent or guardian, or by your scoutmaster or assistant scoutmasters.

At least three adults, and as many as six (over age 18), must be present for a Board of Review. If other Scouts request a Board of Review at the same time you do, you will be reviewed separately.

The length of a review depends on the rank and how quickly you are able to answer the questions. For the lower ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class), 15 minutes is usually enough. For upper ranks (Star, Life, Eagle Palms), a Board of Review usually lasts no more than 30 minutes.

You should be on time and in full Class A uniform for Boards of Review. You should bring whatever materials are necessary to show the reviewers that you have completed all the requirements for the particular rank you are going for. Your Boy Scout Handbook is used to record your progress as you go along, so you must bring your own Boy Scout Handbook. You may be asked to wear your merit badge sash or bring your merit badges with you.

You will be introduced to the board members. The board chairperson will likely ask you to recite at least one of the following: Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, Outdoor Code. You will be seated, and the review will begin with a series of questions. Once the board members have asked all the questions they feel they need to make a decision, you will be asked to leave the room. Once their decision has been made, you will be invited back into the room and you will hear the decision. The board members will give you further information, based on the outcome of their decision.

There are several different types of questions that may be asked of you during a Board of Review. Remember that the reviewers are trying to learn more about you and also learn of your experiences while completing the requirements for the rank. A higher level of participation, maturity and knowledge is expected from Scouts being reviewed for the higher ranks.

Because Scouts at the higher ranks are expected to be teachers for the newer Scouts, there may be a review of the basic ideas you learned from all ranks leading up to the one you are going for.

Skills: The specific skills you have learned are described in detail in your book. You should be able to answer questions on why these skills are important, as well as your experiences relating to how you achieved the requirements. For the upper ranks, skills questions will likely relate to merit badges. You will not be expected to remember every detail of every requirement, but you should be able to explain in general terms what you learned from the merit badges you have earned.

Scout spirit: You will be asked questions about what different parts of the Scout Oath and Law mean to you. Determining whether or not you have shown Scout Spirit is a judgment call for the reviewers. They will want to know whether you have actually lived up to the Scout Oath and Law. Make sure you understand what the Scout Oath and Law are asking you to do and be prepared to give specific examples of things you have done recently.

Leadership: Star and Life ranks both have a leadership requirement. Being a leader means taking charge of troop events and helping other Scouts achieve some worthwhile goal. Determining if you have actively served the troop as a leader is a judgment call for the reviewers and they will ask you questions regarding your leadership history and abilities, your involvement in the troop, and your thoughts about the troop and patrol methods.

Service projects: Star and Life ranks also require service hours. This is a way for you to demonstrate your duty to others in your community. Questions will be asked about the kinds of service hours you have performed and the agencies and organizations your service has benefited.

Scout activities: You will be asked about your involvement in troop and patrol outings, camps, and other activities. Be prepared to discuss what you like about these activities, how you help the troop prepare for them, and your leadership during the activities.

Religious involvement: You may be asked how you fulfill your "duty to God" and what it means to be reverent.

Life outside the troop: You may be asked questions about your activities outside of scouting. These questions may have to do with your family, school, your involvement in extra-curricular activities, community involvement, etc.

It is natural to feel a little nervous during your Board of Review, but the adult leaders will do everything they can to put you at ease. The Board of Review is NOT A TEST OR RETEST of the requirements you have already achieved and your scoutmaster has signed off in your scoutmaster conference. Rather, the Board of Review is a time for the adults in the troop to learn more about you, your feelings and ideas about Scouting, and how you are living the Scout Oath and Law.

Certain questions may be asked about the following:

Most of the questions you will be asked in the interview will be

things you know. The board members will guide you through any "rough" spots you may have. They do not want to see you fail and will do everything they can to help you achieve your rank.

Once all the questions have been asked and answered, you will be asked to leave the room while the reviewers discuss your progress. After a few minutes, you will be asked to return and they will tell you how you did. There are only two basic outcomes: