Frequently asked questions

Pick a badge you're curious about and read its requirements (each badge on Merit Badgy links to them on scouting.org (opens in a new tab)). Then talk with your Scoutmaster. They'll help you get started and connect you with a registered merit badge counselor or a class. Read the merit badge pamphlet, finish any prerequisites and you're on your way.

Yes, have that conversation first. Your Scoutmaster (or the leader they choose) talks with you about the badge and signs your Application for Merit Badge, the "blue card," or opens it digitally in Scoutbook. Some troops have their own steps for this, so ask how yours does it. You can read up and get excited before then, but the work counts once you're connected with a counselor.

Any registered Scout in a Scouts BSA troop can earn any merit badge, at any rank. Badges need to be finished before your 18th birthday.

The blue card is the official record of your merit badge, from start to finish. Many troops now track it digitally in Scoutbook, while some classes still ask for a paper card. Check with your troop which one they use, and bring whatever the class listing asks for.

• Before class: Talk with your Scoutmaster and get your blue card (paper or digital). Read the requirements and finish every prerequisite listed on the class page.
• At class: Take part in everything. The counselor has to see that you personally completed each requirement. Just being in the room isn't enough.
• After class: Make sure the counselor signs or initials what you finished. Take a photo of your card, then turn it in to your troop's advancement chair right away so the badge can be recorded and awarded.

That's normal and okay. The counselor records the requirements you did finish as a "partial." You can complete the rest later with a registered counselor for that badge. Partials don't expire before your 18th birthday.

Yes, as long as the class is taught by a registered merit badge counselor and you complete the requirements as written. Some requirements are hands-on, so a virtual class may leave a few for you to finish afterward.

Yes. Youth protection rules mean Scouts should never meet one-on-one with an adult. Bring a buddy, a parent or another Scout to counselor meetings. Group classes already cover this.

A set of merit badges is required for the Eagle Scout rank. On Merit Badgy, they have a red ring and an “E” seal, and they're listed first on Browse by badge. Use the Eagle-required filter to see only those classes.

Once your troop records it, you'll usually receive the badge at the next court of honor. Turning in your card quickly helps.

We're a directory. We find merit badge classes, check the details and list them in one place so they're easy to search. The class itself is run by its organizer, such as a council, district, troop, camp or counselor.

No. We don't run, teach or host any classes. Questions about schedules, prerequisites, refunds or what to bring go to the organizer listed on the class page.

No. "Register with organizer" takes you to the organizer's own site. We never collect sign-ups or payments.

No. Counselors are registered and approved by their local council. Our Become a counselor form is a helper. It walks you through your details and creates a ready-to-submit PDF packet, which you then send to your council. We don't verify credentials or approve anyone.

No. Merit Badgy is an independent site built by Scouting volunteers. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America.

Some are shared by counselors and organizers, and others we find on public council, district and event pages. Every class is reviewed before it's published.

Yes, searching, saving and reminders are free. Some classes have a fee, which is shown on the class page and paid to the organizer.

No. Saved classes stay on your device, so there's nothing to sign up for.

Enter an email address on a class page and agree to receive reminders. We'll email you 24 hours before the class and, if registration hasn't opened yet, 48 hours before it does. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe link. Under 13? Ask a parent or guardian to set up the reminder with their own email. See the Terms of Service for details.

As little as possible. There are no Scout accounts or profiles. We only keep an email address if you ask for reminders, and our site statistics are anonymous: no cookies or personal information. See Privacy & youth safety for the details.

Always double-check details on the organizer's site before you go, since plans can change. If something on our page is out of date, let us know at hello@meritbadgy.com and we'll fix it.

Use List your class: create a free account, confirm your email, and add your class. We review every listing before it goes live, and you'll see how many people viewed and saved it. To register as a counselor with your council, Become a counselor fills in the official form for you.