1. Meet age requirements. Be a boy who has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award but is under 18 years old.
   
2. Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
   
3. Find a Scout troop near your home.
   
4. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
   
5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
   
6. Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
   
7. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
   
8. Describe the Scout badge.
   
9. Complete the pamphlet exercises. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
   
10. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
    

Click below or consult your Scout Handbook to read requirements for the other ranks: