Junior, intermediate and senior members may all strive for star ranks. Each star level takes an average of two years to complete. Star rank achievers receive a tangible star, which is often attached to the 4-H hat.
 Bronze Star: Complete at least 5 of the 8 PDR categories. | Gold Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories. |
Silver Star: Complete at least 6 of the 8 PDR categories. | Platinum Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories. |
Many counties in California have an Emerald Star program, which is sponsored by the county 4-H office and/or the county 4-H leaders' council. The Emerald Star program is designed for intermediate and senior 4-H members. | |
How can I earn these star ranks?
To qualify for any of the achievement rank awards, 4-H members must attend 80 percent of both the local club and the project meetings held during the year. To obtain any of the ranks, 4-H members must complete the asterisked (*) categories as a part of his/her total effort. This excerpt from the Personal Development Report (PDR), part of the 4-H member record book, shows the numbers and categories necessary to earn each star ranking:
| Categories of Participation | Number of Different Categories Required | |||
| Bronze 5 Required | Silver 6 Required | Gold 7 Required | Platinum 7 Required | |
| 1. 4-H Projects Completed This category records projects a 4-H member has completed. | 2* | 4* | 8* | 12* |
| 2. 4-H Project Skill Activities This category records activities where 4-H members either exhibited their 4-H work or demonstrated their knowledge to an audience and/or judge. | 4 | 8 | 15 | 20 |
| 3. 4-H Events Attended This category records 4-H events, other than 4-H club and project meetings, that the 4-H member attended during the year. | 12 | 25 | 40 | 60 |
| 4. Leadership Development This category records leadership activities undertaken by the 4-H member. | 10 | 20 | 30* | 40* |
| Junior or Teen Leader | (0) | (0) | (2*) | (4*) |
| 5. Citizenship & Community Service This category records citizenship and community service activities undertaken by the 4-H member. | 10 | 20* | 30* | 40* |
| 6. Communication Skills This category records communication activities undertaken by the 4-H member. | 12* | 24* | 36* | 48* |
| 4-H Presentations | (4*) | (7*) | (10*) | (15*) |
| 7. Honors and Recognition This category records the significant honors and recognition earned by the 4-H member. | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 |
| 8. Lifestyle Activities This category records lifestyle activities both in and outside of 4-H that the member participated in. | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 |