A Cub Scout who has completed second grade (or is age 9) works on twelve achievements out of the Bear book to earn the Bear badge. To earn the Bear badge, a Cub Scout must complete 12 achievements out of a possible 24 that are offered in the book. The achievements are grouped in four major areas, GOD, COUNTRY, FAMILY, and SELF. Within each group, a required number of achievements must be completed, as indicated below. Just like in the Wolf Rank, once the Bear rank has been earned, a Bear Cub Scout may work on electives until he crosses over to the next rank. Also, any achievements that he does NOT use to earn the Bear Badge may be used.

Just like the Wolf rank, during progress advancing to the Bear rank, a Bear Cub Scout earns Progress Toward Ranks Beads. After the first three achievements, the Bear Scout is awarded a Progress Toward Ranks patch. It's a diamond with a plastic thong attached and a red bead attached to one end. It is worn on the button of the right shirt pocket. Each time the boy completes three achievements he will receive another red bead. After he gets his fourth red bead, he will receive his Bear badge at a pack meeting. The gold Progress Toward Ranks Beads are awarded during progress advancing to the Wolf badge.

The Bear Scout Uniform consists of the Blue Cub Scout Shirt, the Bear Neckerchief and Slide, the blue Cub Scout belt, and the Bear Hat. In addition to these, a Scout can wear Cub Scout Pants or shorts as well as Cub Scout socks.