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Scouts BSA Leader Training Information


The training program of Scouting America will provide you with all the basic tools needed to be successful in your leadership position, along with continual opportunities to refine your skills, as you become comfortable in delivering a quality  Scouting program.



Scouts BSA Leader Training

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed: 

  1. Youth Protection Training (YPT) online,
  2. Scoutmaster Position Specific Training
  3. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
  4. Hazardous Weather Training online

Troop Committee Members are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed: 

  1. Youth Protection Training (YPT) online, and
  2. Troop Committee Challenge online

You can find all the Position Training Requirements on the PDF found here>>

Basic Leader Training Course Descriptions

YPT is required for all new registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. YPT is designed to keep our youth safe from abuse. Participants learn Scouting America's Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. Every registered leader must take YPT online. A login is required, but anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of Scouting America may provide their member number (as part of their user profile) to receive credit.

Scoutmaster Position Specific Training provides troop leadership with the information and tools they need to lead successful troops.This course is available online and is offered at the district level.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) - During this hands-on course, participants work in patrols. Leaders learn the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Find a course near you.

Troop Committee Challenge helps troop committees work as a team to improve the Scouting experience, helps build the commitment of individual members and cultivates a better troop committee team. This online course focuses on the core beliefs, aims, and methods of Scouting. Specifically, it helps each committee member learn and identify their role and responsibilities in support of the adult leaders in the unit, to provide a quality troop experience for the Scouts.

Weather conditions are an important factor in any outdoor Scouting activity. The Hazardous Weather training is designed to help participants plan and prepare for hazardous weather.

Additional Scouts BSA Training Opportunities

Fast Start Training is intended to be taken by leaders immediately following the acceptance of their new role and is offered online.

Roundtable is a monthly program to provide leaders with program ideas, updated information on policy, events and training opportunities and offer an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders.

Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six-day course on high adventure resources to help Scouts and Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their troops and crews. Adults leaders from all Scouting programs and Scouts age 14 and older are eligible to attend.

Visit our Training homepage to receive notifications and important training information such as:

  • New courses
  • Updates
  • Promotions
  • Registration deadlines
  • Reminders

Back to Position Specific Training Home