Throughout the Movement, training is progressive and Awards may be given at different stages of an individual's development. Importance is attached to effort and endeavour as well as to the attainment of prescribed high standards.
The Scout Training Programme is flexible so that a youngster who may be falling behind in qualifying for the Award appropriate to this age may 'leapfrog' on to the next in the series provided they are competent in basic Scoutcraft. Likewise, a youngster joining direct (that is, not having progressed through the Cub Scout Section first) can, on completing basic Scoutcraft training, begin working towards the Progress Award appropriate to their age. The same flexibility also allows for children with special needs to participate at every stage.
All badges are passed under arrangements made jointly by the Scout Leader and the Patrol Leader and awarded by the Patrol Leaders' Council.

The five stages of Progressive Training in the Scout Section are:

• The Scout Membership Award
• The Scout Award
• The Pathfinder Award
• The Explorer Award
• The Chief Scout Award

The Scout Membership Badge
This is awarded at an Investiture Ceremony after four to six weeks in the Troop. This badge is worn by all invested group members and shows that they are members of the Scout Movement.

The Scout Award
For Scouts aged 10½ and 11½. To gain the award you must hold the Scout Membership Badge and successfully complete activities from the following sections;

1. Scoutcraft - basic scout skills
2. Adventure - undertake some activity
3. Culture - contribute to a show or exhibition.
4. Community - know your local community.
5. Health - improve your personal health.
6. Commitment - show how promise and law are put into practice.
7. Patrol - take part in an outdoor patrol activity.
8. Proficiency - gain one Proficiency Badge.

The Pathfinder Award
To pass you must hold the Scout Award or be at least 11½ years old, hold the Scout Membership Badge and complete the Scoutcraft and Commitment activities from the Scout Award.
The award consists of the same sections as the Scout Award and to complete the award the Scout must completing twelve activities as follows,

• four from the Scoutcraft section,
• two from the Adventure section,
• one from each of the other sections.
• two from any section.

The Explorer Award
For Scouts aged 13 - 14. To pass the Scout must mould the Pathfinder Award or be at least 13 years old and hold the Scout Membership Badge. The award consists of the same sections as the Scout Award and to complete the award the Scout must undertake each of sections to a more advanced standard.

The Chief Scout Award
For Scouts aged 14 - 15½. To pass the Scout must hold the Explorer Award or be at least 14 years old, hold the Scout Membership Badge and complete the Scoutcraft and Commitment activities from the Explorer Award. Twelve activities must be completed to a higher standard from the standard sections as follows;

• three from the Adventure section,
• two from the Community section,
• one from each of the other sections.
• three from any section.

Note: There is also a full range of Proficiency Badges, everything from the 'Administrator Badge' to the 'Writer Badge' or from the 'Camper Badge' to the 'Skater Badge'. Whether the Scout excel at academia or sports there is a badge for their chosen interest or interests.

For the full requirements for each award please refer to the Scout Badge Requirements section on the website of the UK Scout Association.