First Class
Rank Requirements

These requirements became effective on January 1, 2002.

To see the changes which are being made in 2002, Click here.

To see the requirements which were in effect until December 31, 2001, Click here.

Click here to see a copy of the letter from the BSA National Office announcing these changes. (pdf file)

NOTE: These requirements, and those for Tenderfoot and Second Class may be worked on simultaneously; however these ranks must be earned in sequence.

1. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass.
2. Using a compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.)
3. Since joining, have participated in ten separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.
4. a. Help plan a patrol menu for one campout -- including one breakfast, lunch, and dinner - that requires cooking.  Tell how the menu includes the four basic food groups and meets nutritional needs.
4. b. Using the menu planned in requirement 4a, make a list showing the cost and food amounts needed to feed three or more boys and secure the ingredients.
4. c. Tell which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals.
4. d. Explain the procedures to follow in the safe handling and storage of fresh meats, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and other perishable food products.  Tell how to properly dispose of camp garbage, cans, plastic containers, and other rubbish.
4. e. On one campout, serve as your patrol's cook.  Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in requirement 4a.  Lead your patrol in saying grace at the meals and supervise cleanup.
5. Visit and discuss with a selected individual approved by your leader (elected official, judge, attorney, civil servant, principal, teacher) your Constitutional rights and obligations as a U.S. citizen.
6. Identify or show evidence of at least ten kinds of native plants found in your community.
7. a. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings
7. b. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch and their use in square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.
7. c. Use lashing to make a useful camp gadget.
8. a. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot and describe several ways it can be used.
8. b. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle. and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.
8. c. Show how to transport by yourself, and with one other person, a person:
   • from a smoke-filled room
   • with a sprained ankle, for at least 25 yards.
8. d. Tell the five most common signs of a heart attack. Explain the steps (procedures) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
9. a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
9. b. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
9. c. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and rescuer.  (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)
10. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
11. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
12. Complete your board of review.

NOTE: Alternate Requirements for the First Class rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Boy Scout Requirements book. (No. 33215E)

Please note that Requirement 12 - (Complete your Board of Review) MAY be done AFTER the Scout' has reached age 18.  All other requirements must be completed BEFORE the Scout's 18th Birthday.