Extensions, Exceptions, & Other Special Cases

The Guide to Advancement https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/ is the primary resource for information about a variety of special cases in advancement.

Advancement for Members with Special Needs

See section 10.1.0.0 of the Guide to Advancement. and the Individual Scout Advancement Plan, No. 512-936 https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/512-93625-11.5.0.0-IndivScout.pdf

A Scout, parent or guardian, unit leader, or unit committee member may use this form to petition for an extension of time to earn the Eagle Rank.

Review Section 9.0.4.0 of the Guide to Advancement
Collect the required documents and information, and submit a request for an extension https://nhscouting.org/advancement/life-to-eagle/request-for-extension/. An incomplete application will delay the process of evaluating the request.
To appeal a denial of a request for an extension, see Section 11.2.1.0 of the Guide to Advancement

See section 10.1.2.6 of the Guide to Advancement.
The Scout, their unit leader, and parents/guardians must carefully read the instructions on the Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges as soon as the possibility of a need to apply for alternative merit badges is recognized.
Before applying, a Scout must earn as many of the Eagle-required merit badges as possible.
A completed application must be approved before the scout starts to work on an alternative merit badge.
Submit the completed application to the Council Advancement Committee
Depending on the situation and the completeness of the application, it could take the Council Advancement Committee a few weeks to as long as a few months to evaluate an application.
An approved application for alternative merit badges does not imply an extension of time. If more time is needed to complete all requirements, including any alternative merit badges, the Scout must also have an approved extension or be registered beyond the age of eligibility; otherwise, all requirements, including all standard and alternative merit badges, must be complete before the scout’s 18th birthday.
The approved application must be submitted with the Eagle Scout Rank Application.

Requests for youth members on the basis of severe physical challenges must be received before they reach the end of age eligibility for the program. Requests to extend registration beyond the age of eligibility for youth members and adults on the basis of developmental disability or cognitive impairment may be submitted at any time.
Carefully review Section 10.2.0.0 of the Guide to Advancement
Complete the Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935 and submit it and other documents listed in section 10.2.0.2 of the Guide to Advancement to the Council Advancement Committee.
A copy of the approved request for registration beyond the age of eligibility must be submitted with the Scout’s Eagle Scout Rank Application.

To appeal a denial of the extension request, see Sections 9.0.4.2 and 11.2.1.0 of the Guide to Advancement.
To appeal an adverse Board of Review decision, see Sections 8.0.4.0 – 8.0.4.2 of the Guide to Advancement.

Appeals, even appeals of a decision of the Council Advancement Committee, should be directed to the Council Advancement Committee.