General Resources
Helpful Guides
- BSA Guide to Advancement (2021 Revision)
- Guide to Square Knot Awards and How to Wear Them
- Guide to Awards and Insignias
Scoutbook and Scoutbook Plus
- Scoutbook Plus: For units not using Scoutbook to record advancements. Formerly known as Internet Advancement.
- Scoutbook: Homepage for the Scoutbook website.
- Scoutbook Forums: Connect with other Scoutbook users to troubleshoot issues.
- Scoutbook Knowledge Base: Find guides on Scoutbook, Scoutbook Plus, My.Scouting, and additional resources.
Picking Up Advancements at Scout Shops
- Only advancements entered into Scoutbook or Scoutbook Plus can be purchased. It is the unit’s responsibility to input this data.
- Units should bring a Unit Advancement Report (electronic version via Scoutbook or Scoutbook Plus). If access is unavailable, use the hand-written BSA Official Advancement Report from www.scouting.org/forms.
- Board of Review Signatures: Since Unit Advancement Reports are often generated after boards of review, signatures on these reports may be impractical. Board members may sign a completed Unit Advancement Report from www.scouting.org/forms, which can be attached to the electronic report and submitted to the local council.
Replacement Merit Badges/Advancements
- To purchase replacement merit badges, provide an Individual Advancement Report, an old PO Advancement Report with the awards listed, or completed blue cards.
Special Advancement Requests
- Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Information & Application
- Recommendation for Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award Guide
- Board of Reviews Appeal Request Guide
- Send all special advancement requests to Council Advancement Committee Staff Advisor, Cory Kercher at cory.kercher@scouting.org.