# Scout Permissions for advancement **URL:** \ **Category:** New Scoutbook Feature Requests\ **Tags:** advancement\ **Created:** [September 13, 2023, 2:20pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065 "2023-09-13T14:20:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ScottJesse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@ScottJesse](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/ScottJesse)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 2:20pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/1 "2023-09-13T14:20:34Z")
We have a scout that is inputting their own advancement on merit badges. How do we limit that access? ---
**Author:** ![edavignon](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/user_avatar/discussions.scouting.org/edavignon/32/16_2.png) [@edavignon](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/edavignon)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 2:33pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/2 "2023-09-13T14:33:06Z")
@ScottJesse You don’t, in fact, best practice has Scouts marking their own advancement complete in Scoutbook. Scoutbook is designed for the Scouts to mark advancement complete, indicating the Scout is ready to be tested. This is no different than the Scout checking off the left hand column in the rank tables in the Scout Handbook. This is indicated by a green background check mark in Scoutbook. Once the Scout marks a requirement complete, the unit leader or designee, or MBC for Merit Badges, tests the Scout and signs off on the requirement and approves it in Scoutbook. This is designated by a blue background check mark in Scoutbook. ---
**Author:** ![DonovanMcNeil](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/user_avatar/discussions.scouting.org/donovanmcneil/32/24_2.png) [@DonovanMcNeil](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/DonovanMcNeil)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 2:41pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/3 "2023-09-13T14:41:50Z")
@ScottJesse it is just like the left side column in the Handbook - where scouts ARE to mark they are ready for testing ---
**Author:** ![ScottJesse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@ScottJesse](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/ScottJesse)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 2:45pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/4 "2023-09-13T14:45:11Z")
I understand as it relates to rank advancement, I am making the distinction and asking specifically about merit badge advancement. Shouldn’t only the merit badge councilor be the one to sign off on completions? ---
**Author:** ![DonovanMcNeil](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/user_avatar/discussions.scouting.org/donovanmcneil/32/24_2.png) [@DonovanMcNeil](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/DonovanMcNeil)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 2:50pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/5 "2023-09-13T14:50:06Z")
@ScottJesse by marking the requirements (and even the whole thing) they are communicating with the MBC they are ready for testing. Just like a scout marking up a pamphlet or worksheet for a MB ---
**Author:** ![ScottJesse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@ScottJesse](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/ScottJesse)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 2:55pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/6 "2023-09-13T14:55:04Z")
Got it, thanks for your quick reply. ---
**Author:** ![edavignon](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/user_avatar/discussions.scouting.org/edavignon/32/16_2.png) [@edavignon](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/edavignon)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/7 "2023-09-13T15:11:13Z")
Scouts being able to mark their own advancement is why I suggest **NOT** using the Approve All button on the Needs Approval report. A leader should be deliberate in marking requirements approved in Scoutbook. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/original/1X/66e9612584db5dbf76de17f00ad877998c0ba3d6.png) [@system](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/system)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scout-permissions-for-advancement/377065/8 "2023-09-20T15:11:48Z")
Closed on September 20, 2023, 3:11pm UTC This topic was automatically closed 7 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.