Purpose of a Board of Review

The members of a Board of Review should have the following objectives in mind:

• To make sure the Scout has completed the requirements for the rank.
• To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit.
• To encourage the Scout to progress further.

Additionally, the Board of Review provides “quality control” on advancement within the unit, it provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice those skills needed in a interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments.

The Board of Review is NOT a retest; the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been “signed off” in the Scout’s handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank. Note: Once an item has been signed off by someone qualified to do so, it cannot be taken away. If there are questions about the care given by a given individual signing off advancement, this can be discussed either as a general topic before the troop or committee, or with the individual whose approvals are in question.

The Board of Review is an opportunity to review of the Scout’s attitudes, accomplishments and his acceptance of Scouting’s ideals, and also to assess the quality of the troop’s program.