Board of Review
The purpose of a board of review is to determine the quality of the Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for the rank have been fulfilled. If so, the board not only approves the Scout’s advancement but also provides encouragement to continue the quest for the next rank.​
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It’s an essential part of the Boy Scouting experience, and it’s required for every rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout — plus the Eagle palms.​
Who sits on the board of review?
For rank advancements for Tenderfoot through Life, the Troop selects three to six adults (21 years or older) to sit on the board of review, Typically these adults are affiliated with the Troop (e.g., Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster). Troop 648 also tries to select adults that are not in the Troop leadership (e.g., parent of Scout). This provides the Scout with a venue to provide an unvarnished assessment of how the Troop is working and where improvements can be made.
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For the Eagle Scout board of review, the Troop Eagle Coordinator organizes the board of review and includes at least on member of the district or council advancement committee (i.e., the District Eagle Coordinator) the District Eagle Coordinator. Eagle Scout board of review members don’t have to be registered members of the Boy Scouts, but they should have an understanding of the candidate and the Eagle Scout Award.​
What questions are typically asked during a board of review?
Boards focus on different topics depending on the rank in question. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class are primarily concerned with rank requirements and Scout skills. As Scouts get older, conversation and the questions turn to how the Scout can take on more leadership roles and giving back to the Troop. A common question asked in almost every board of review is, "If you were Scoutmaster for a day, what one thing would you change about the troop?" Since the board consists of troop committee members — not assistant Scoutmasters — Scouts are often more willing to speak openly.
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Every board of review usually spends time to talk about the next rank. At a First Class board, it’s helpful to talk about positions of responsibility and merit badges, which are key requirements for Star. At a Life board, potential Eagle Scout service projects are an ideal topic.​
Who schedules the board of review?
The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, or Advancement Chair usually identifies the adults for each board of review and they usually schedule the time and place. ​
How long do boards of review last?
At certain critical points in a Scout’s journey, he’s asked to stop and think. He looks back on where he’s been and looks ahead to where he’s going. We call it the board of review. Boards of review usually get longer as Scouts advance in rank. A Tenderfoot board should take about 15 minutes, while an Eagle board might last 45 minutes or more.
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At certain critical points in a Boy Scout’s journey, he’s asked to stop and think. He looks back on where he’s been and looks ahead to where he’s going. We call it the board of review.​
Should a Scout be retested during the board of review?
The board of review should gauge the quality of a Scout’s troop experience and encourage future advancement, not ask him to pass rank requirements — again. According to The Scoutmaster Handbook, the purpose of the board of review is “not to retest a Scout, but rather to ensure that he has completed all of the requirements, to determine the quality of his troop experience, and to encourage him to advance toward the next rank. Each review should also include a discussion of ways in which the Scout sees himself living up to the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life.”
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This policy is based on the presumption that the Scout has already passed the requirements for the rank or award. The purpose of the board of review is more about finding out about the Scout, his experiences, the fun he’s had and just learning about the Scout and his goals and ambitions. It is important for the board of review to provide feedback to the Troop adult leadership on the strengths and weaknesses in the Troop based on the Scout’s observations. The board of review members should also provide feedback to the Scoutmaster if there any questions about whether rank requirements were met, the Scout's skills, or the Scout's ability to abide by the Scout Oath and Law.
Can a parent participate in their Scout's board of review?
The Scout’s parents, relatives, or guardians should not be in attendance in any capacity—not as members of the board, as observers, or even as the unit leader. Having the Scout’s parent present at the board of review could change the dynamics of the room, so it’s strongly discouraged, as the Scout may not feel free to answer the questions honestly.
Must a Scout wear his uniform?
Troop 648’s policy is that the Scout should be in field uniform for the Scoutmaster's conference and board of review. This policy can be waived when requested by the Scout (e.g., for a conference or board of review conducted during a campout). The purpose of the policy is to ensure that the Scout understands that the Scoutmaster's conference and board of review are part of the advancement process.