Advancement is one of the methods used to promote the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does in the advancement program is intended to achieve these aims and aid in personal growth. The program has two tiers of advancement: the classic rank system and the newer Academics and Sports Program.

All boys will first work on their Bobcat badge to complete the Cub Scout joining requirements. Once the Bobcat badge requirements have been completed, the Cub Scout will continue with the age appropriate program. Tiger Cubs complete achievements to earn the Tiger Cub badge, then complete electives to receive Tiger Track Beads. First-year Cub Scouts work toward the Wolf badge, then toward Arrow Points. Second year Cub Scouts work toward the Bear badge and then earn Arrow Points.

Webelos work toward earning Activity Badges. Initially, Webelos work toward the Webelos Badge. After earning the Webelos badge, boys work toward the Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points. Finally, Webelos work toward the Arrow of Light.

The Arrow of Light award is the highest award available to Cub Scouts. In addition to the skill and activity requirements of the preceding ranks, the Arrow of Light requires Scouts to learn the Scout Promise and Scout Law, and visit one meeting and one activity of a Boy Scout troop, in preparation for advancing to the Boy Scouts. The Arrow of Light award is the only Cub Scout award that can be worn on a Boy Scout uniform. Both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts wear the badge below the left pocket. Adults wear the square-knot version of the badge above the left pocket.

The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program is designed toward the third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. It is an optional program for all Cub Scouts and is designed to assist in learning or improving skills. Belt loops are awarded for completing standards in various academic and sport fields. Advanced skills are recognized by pins, displayed on the Cub Scout Academic and Sports letter.

Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized, but not sponsored, by the BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot.