Merit Badges are the second main area of the Boy Scout advancement program. Unlike ranks, there is a degree of choice in the merit badge program. A sub-group of merit badges are known as Eagle required merit badges. To earn Eagle Scout, most of these badges must be earned although some are "either/or" badges. The remainder of the badges help with earning ranks as well as Eagle Palms after the Eagle Scout award has been earned.
Boy Scouts may work on merit badges from they time they join a Scout troop until they turn 18 years old. There is no time limit for completion of merit badges other than age 18. Some Merit Badges Require Prior Approval before starting certain requirements. Most do not.
See our instructions on how to obtain an Application for Merit Badge. more commonly know as a Blue Card. before starting a merit badge.
The following are all the Merit Badges currently offered by the Boy Scouts of America.