The rank requirements in this book are official as of Jan. 1, 2016. Scoutswho joined the Boy Scouts of America on or after Jan. 1, 2016, MUST follow the rank requirements as printed in this Boy Scout Handbook or in the current year’s Boy Scout Requirements book. Scouts who joined the BSA prior to Jan. 1, 2016, Who are working on the Tenderfoot through First Class ranks MAY continue to follow the old requirements, but MUST convert to the current
requirements upon attaining First Class. Scouts who have completed the First Class rank MAY complete the rank they are currently working on in the old requirements, but MUST convert to the current requirements for subsequent ranks.Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, all Scouts MUST use the current requirements regardless of rank.