Merit Badge Study Guides

We are working to update the merit badge pamphlets. 

Feel free to submit an updated version to add to the worksheet bank.  This Template can be used, and old versions can be found here to help get started.

Merit Badge

Tentative Prerequisites, Partials & Notes ✓

Requirements completed may vary depending on the Scout’s preparation and participation, makeup of the class, material covered within the allotted time, and weather (for outdoor classes).

Updates
Needed 

Current USScouts Worksheet &
new Study Guides

American Cultures • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet   American Culture Worksheet
American Business • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered:  #5, 6
• Bring: internet device and research or interview #6 notes
• Suggest preparing using American Business Worksheet
  American Business Worksheet
American Labor • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #2
• Suggest preparing using the American Labor Worksheet
  American Labor Worksheet
American Heritage • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: 3
• Suggest preparing using the American Heritage Worksheet
  American Heritage Worksheet
Animal Science • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Suggest preparing using Animal Science Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Animal Science Study Guide
Animation • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Suggest preparing using Animation Worksheet
  Animation Worksheet
Archaeology • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
TBD
2026 old - needs updated to 2026
Architecture and Landscape Architecture • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #1
  Architecture Worksheet
Art • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #4, 6
• Suggest preparing using Art Worksheet
  Art Worksheet
Archery • Prerequisites: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: Print and read the Study Guide.
  old - needs updated to 2025
Artificial Intelligence • There is no merit badge pamphlet for this class. Research requirements using Scoutly; can use Artificial Intelligence Study Guide   Updated 2025
Artificial Intelligence Study Guide
Astronomy • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet 
• Includes an evening observation session
• Suggest preparing using Astronomy Study Guide and viewing video resources for each requirement
  Updated 2025
Astronomy Study Guide
Athletics • Prerequisite: #2b, Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: Must bring 2b [Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A, B, C entitled Are You Going to Camp?) which requires a physical signed by a physician]
• Not covered: #3a, 3d, finishing #5
2026 old needs updated to 2026 -
Aviation • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #4, 5  (TBD)
• Suggest preparing using Aviation Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Aviation Study Guide
Automotive Maintenance • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #11, 12
• Suggest preparing using Automotive Maintenance Worksheet and viewing video resources for each requirement.
  Updated 2026
Automotive Maintenance Worksheet
Backpacking • Requirements not covered: #6b, 8c, 8d, 9a, 9e, 10, 11.
• Bring: fully loaded backpack for #9c & 9d. (Maximum 10 Scouts per class)
  Backpacking Worksheet
Basketry • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.   Basketry Worksheet
Bird Study • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026 -
Bugling • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Requirements not covered: #6
  Bugling Worksheet
Camping • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #3, 4b, 5e, 7b, 8d, 9
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Camping Worksheet
  Camping Worksheet
Canoeing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Must be able to pass a swim test; be physically fit 2026 old needs updated to 2026 t
Chemistry • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: research for #8; highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Chemistry Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Chemistry Study Guide
Chess • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: ​#6 (complete after class)
• Bring: chess set if you have one
2026 old needs updated to 2026 -
Citizenship in the Community • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: ​3, 4, 7, 8
• Bring #2 (community map and government chart)
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Citizenship in Community Worksheet

• Will watch a movie on Saturday evening
  Citizenship in Community Worksheet
Citizenship in the Nation • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Watch the national news for five days for #5. Research #6
• Not covered: #7, 8 and #5, 6 if not prepared
• Bring copies of #8 (letters) and highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Citizenship in the Nation Worksheet
  Updated 2026
Citizenship in the Nation Worksheet
Citizenship in the Society • All day or 2 periods
• Prerequisite: Scouts must research the requirements, especially #7, 8 (recommend utilizing the worksheet)
• For ages 13+ and First Class and above
• Class will be taught in a small group with Scouts of similar age by a council-approved counselor
• Bring: Research for #7, 8; highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Cit in Society Worksheet
  Citizen in Society Worksheet
Citizenship in the World • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Prepare #3 (a current world event or geography topic to discuss during class).
• Not covered: #7 (and #3, 4 if not prepared)
• Bring #4, 7
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Citizenship in the World Worksheet
  Updated 2026
Citizenship in the World Worksheet
Climbing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Must be physically fit.
• Recommended for older Scouts due to the physical strength needed and the significant heights involved.
  old needs updated to 2025 - 
Collections TBD   Collections Worksheet
Coin Collecting • Prerequisite:  collect #4  Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #6 and #4 and #7d4 if not brought to class
• Bring: photo of #4a, b, c, d, 5 different state quarters plus 2 to trade (in baggie marked with name), parent permission (note with parent permission to participate in the virtual tour of the American Numismatic Association) for #7d4
2026 old needs updated to 2026 
Cooking • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; be prepared to discuss #8
• Requirements not covered: ​ #4-7
• Bring: tablet or laptop with wifi, highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Cooking Study Guide.
  Updated 2025
Cooking Study Guide
Communication • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Prepare and practice #3 (800+ words depending on rate of speaking)
• Requirements not covered: #5, 8
• Bring #1, 2, 3, research #9, and highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Communication Worksheet
  Communication Worksheet
Composite Materials • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet 2026 old needs updated to 2026 -
Crime Prevention • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet 
• Requirements not covered: Crime Prevention: #3a, eb, 10, 11
• Suggest preparing using Crime Prevention Worksheet
  Updated 2025
Crime Prevention Worksheet
Crime Prevention and
Fingerprinting
• Prerequisite: Read Crime Prevention pamphlet and 
• Requirements not covered: Crime Prevention: #3a, eb, 10, 11
  Crime Prevention Worksheet
Cybersecurity • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; bring verification of viewing the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
• Bring a tablet or laptop with wifi
• Suggest preparing using Cybersecurity Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Cybersecurity Study Guide
Cycling • Weather permitting. Will only be offered if there is enough interest
• Mountain bikes
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book; prepare by viewing helpful videos.
• Requirements not covered: Option B #6B(5)
​• The class is physically demanding. Must be able to ride on trails. There will be additional morning and evening rides. Scouts can bring a mountain bike and helmet, but they must meet specifications. All equipment is provided.
2026 old needs updated to 2026 - 
Dentistry • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #3
2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to requirement #1, 7
Digital Technology Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Prerequisite: must bring verification of viewing the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
• Bring a tablet or laptop with wifi and email address
• Suggest preparing using the Digital Technology Study Guide and viewing vidoes resources for each requirement
  Updated 2026
Digital Technology Study Guide
Disability Awareness • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #2, 4
  Disability Awareness Worksheet
Dog Care TBD 2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to Requirement 10
Drafting TBD 2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to Requirement 2-8
Electricity • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #2, 7 
• Bring an electric bill and a picture of your electricity meter (to read numbers) for #9a, b and prepare #2, 7
• Suggest preparing using Electricity Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Electricity Study Guide
Electronics • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #2, 9a (TBD)
  Updated 2025
Electronics Study Guide
Emergency Preparedness • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet,
• Prerequisite: Have already earned the First Aid Merit Badge
• Not covered: #3, 4, 9c, 9d
• Bring: research for #10b or c 
• Note: Scouts can choose either Life Saving or Emergency Preparedness to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
*2026 old needs updated to 2026
Engineering • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Requirements not covered: #3
• Suggest preparing using Engineering Study Guide and watching the videos for each requirement
  Updated 2026
Engineering Study Guide
Energy • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamplet.
• Requirements not covered: #4  (TBD)
• Suggest preparing using Energy Worksheet
  Updated 2025
Energy Worksheet
Entrepreneurship • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #3, 4, 5
• Suggest preparing using Entrepreneurship Worksheet
  Entrepreneurship Worksheet
Environmental Science • Recommended for older Scouts (ages 13+)
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #2, 6, 7,   (TBD)
• Bring: research for #11, highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Environmental Science Study Guide; suggest bringing a cell phone to use during the class​​​​ and downloading one of the apps in #2 prior to class
Note: Scouts choose Sustainability or Environmental Science to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
  Updated 2025
Environmental Science Study Guide
Exploration • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #4
• Bring appropriate footwear and clothing to walk around campus
• Suggest preparing using Exploration Study Guide
  Updated 2026
Exploration Study Guide
Family Life • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: ​#2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Bring: highly suggest preparing & bringing Family Life Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Family Life Study Guide
Farm Mechanics TBD   Farm Mechanics Worksheet
Fingerprinting  • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet 2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to Requirement #2, 6
First Aid • All day course or 2 periods
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: #2b1 (first aid kit), research #15b
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing First Aid Worksheet
  Updated 2025
First Aid Worksheet
Fire Safety • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #5d, 5g, 5e, 10a
  Updated 2025
FIre Safety Worksheet
Fish and Wildlife Management • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet, Research and write down the items for Requirement #8
• Not covered: #5, 6a, 6c, , 7a, 7b, 7d
• Bring a sketch pad or camera   
  Needs updated to 2025
Requirement #5, 6, 7, 8
Fishing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered:  #10 might not be completed if fish isn't caught 
*2026 old needs updated to 2026 - 
change to  Requirements close (#1)
Fly Fishing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #10 might not be completed if fish isn't caught; #11
2026 old needs updated to 2026 - 
Forestry • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #5
2026 old needs updated to 2026 - 
Gardening • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: TBD
2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to Requirement #5, 8 9
Game Design • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #5,6,7,8.
• Merit Badge focus will be on non-electronic/programmed games. 
  Game Design Worksheet
Geology • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Genealogy • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #2, 4b, 4c, 5
• Suggest preparing using Genealogy Worksheet

Note: 5 might be covered, depending onthe  person teaching the camp
  Genealogy Worksheet
Geocaching • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #7
  Geocaching Worksheet
Golf • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet (disk golf)   Golf Worksheet
Graphic Arts • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. *2026 old needs updated to 2026
Health Care Professions • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #5, 6, 9
  Health-Professions Worksheet
Hiking  • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #4
• Suggest preparing using Hiking Worksheet
  Hiking Worksheet
Home Repairs • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: TBD
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Horsemanship TBD 2026  
Indian Lore • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Requirements not covered: ​#3-4
  • Bring: completed worksheet
Insect Study • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to requirement #1-9
Journalism • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #2, 4
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Inventing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Kayaking • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. • Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement; be physically fit 2026 old
Landscaping Architecture TBD 2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to requirement #5
Law  • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Prerequisite: #4
• Suggest preparing using Law Worksheet
2026 Updated 2026
Law Worksheet
Leatherwork • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.   • Bring: completed worksheet
Lifesaving • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; must be able to pass a Swim Test Swimmer requirement.
• Bring: long pants, a long-sleeved button-down shirt, shoes
• Recommended for Scouts ages 12+
• Note: Scouts can choose either  Life Saving or Emergency Preparedness to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Mammal Study • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. *2026 old needs updated to 2026
Metalwork • Bring: gloves (leather or vegan leather alternative), long sleeve shirt, long pants
• Suggest preparing using Metalwork Study Guide
  Updated 2025
Metalwork Study Guide
Mining in Society • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Model Design and Building • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Motorboating TBD 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Moviemaking • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Bring cell phone or video camera and computer with video editing software
*2026 oold needs updated to 2026
Multisport • All day
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; must have earned the Swimming Merit Badge
• Not covered: #2a, 5, 7a
• Bring: fitness-appropriate clothes including tennis shoes
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Music • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #3 and #1 or 4 if not prepared
• Bring instrument unless singing for #1; prepare #1 & 4a or 4b, research #6a or 6b
*2026 old needs updated to 2026
Nature • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #3
• Suggest preparing using Nature Worksheet
  Updated 2025
Nature Worksheet
Nuclear Science • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. *2026 old needs updated to 2026
Oceanography • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #8
*2026 old needs updated to 2026
Orienteering • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #10
  Orienteering Worksheet
Painting • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. *2026 old needs updated to 2026
Personal Fitness • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered #7 (plan)
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Personal Fitness Study Guide;
• Bring: Wear activity uniform (e.g., Scout shirt) and appropriate clothes for the fitness test, including tennis shoes
• Suggest viewing digital resources and downloading program document
  Updated 2026
Personal Fitness Study Guide
Personal Management • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #2, 8 & #10 if not prepared
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Personal Management Worksheet and research for #10
  Personal Management
Pets TBD 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Photography • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; bring verification of viewing the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
• Requirements not covered: #7
• Bring: camera, and 12 digital pictures that you are willing to share for #4, 5.
• Suggest preparing using Photography Worksheet
  Photography Worksheet
Pioneering • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.   Pioneering Worksheet
Plant Science • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Plumbing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.   Updated 2025
Plumbing Worksheet
Pottery • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.   Updated 2025
Pottery Worksheet
Programming • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.. View the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video (with your parent or guardian's permission.)
• Requirements not covered: #5
• Bring: proof of current Cyber Chip
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Public Health • For Scouts ages 13+ due to content covered
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #1, 7, 8
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed worksheet
*2026
 
old needs updated to 2026
Public Speaking • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Prepare and practice #2 (500-800 words depending on rate of speaking) and #4 (~1,500 words)
• Not covered: #2, 4 (if not prepared before the event)
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Public Speaking Worksheet
  Public Speaking Worksheet
Pulp and Paper • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.   Pulp and Paper Worksheet
Radio • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. *2026 old needs updated to 2026
Railroading • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: ​#7
  Railroading Worksheet
Reading • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring all requirements in an envelope, folder or notebook clearly marked with the Scout's name. Please type answers; using the Reading Study Guide is encouraged.
• Special Instructions: Drop off requirements at check-in at check-in for review by the merit badge counselor and pick up after the event.
  Updated 2026
Reading Study Guide
Reptile and Amphibian Study TBD 2025 old needs updated to 2025 - 
change to 5equirement #8
Rifle Shooting • Prerequisites: Print and read Study Guide. Read merit badge book.  Learn more 2025 old needs updated to 2025 
Robotics • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old - Robotics Worksheet
Rowing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; • Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement; 2026  
Safety • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet *2026 old needs updated to 2026
Salesmanship • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Requirements not covered: #5
• Suggest preparing using Salesmanship Worksheet
  • Bring: completed worksheet
Scholarship • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring all requirements in an envelope, folder or notebook clearly marked with the Scout's name. Include: completed worksheet, #1 (copy of report card), #3 (letter from principal/counselor), #5 (report)
​• Special Instructions: Drop off requirements at check-in for review by the merit badge counselor and pick up after the event.
  Scholarship Worksheet
Scouting Heritage • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Requirements not covered: #4,5,6,7,8
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Sculpture • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Search and Rescue • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet 2026 old - Search-Rescue Worksheet
Shotgun Shooting
• Prerequisites: bring and read Study Guide. Read merit badge pamphlet; must be physically able to handle the recoil of the gun. Might be a partial if Scout is unable to qualify shooting skills. Learn more
  old needs updated to 2025 
Signs, Signals, and Codes • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. *2026 old - Signs, Signals, and Codes Worksheet
Skating TBD 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Small-Boat Sailing • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement; 
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Snow Sports TBD 2026 old
Soil and Water Conservation • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Must be able to read a topo map,
• Requirements not covered: 5a, 6d, 7c
  Soil & Water Conservation Worksheet
Space Exploration • Prerequisite: Read the merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered:  #2, 5, 8
• Costs an extra $15 to cover the rocket supplied
 
*2026 old needs updated to 2026
Sports • Prerequisite: Read the merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered:  #5
  old needs updated - 
change to requirement #1, 4, 5, 6
Stamp Collecting • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #7b
  Stamp Collecting Worksheet
Surveying • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: #2
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Sustainability • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #8a
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing Sustainability Worksheet
• Note: Scouts choose either Sustainability or Environmental Science to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
  Sustainability Worksheet
Swimming • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. • Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement; 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Textile • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: completed worksheet
  Textile Worksheet
Theater • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #1, 2, 3
  Theater Worksheet
Traffic Safety • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
 
*2026 old needs updated to 2026
Truck Transportation • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: #4
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Veterinary Medicine TBD 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Water Sports TBD 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Weather • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Welding • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Bring: 2 pens; must wear hiking boots (no running shoes, or plastic or nylon shoes) and a 100% cotton shirt and pants (e.g., jeans). AWS provides welding jackets, gloves, and helmets.
  Welding Worksheet
Wilderness Survival • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Bring photo of #5 (survival kit) 
2026 old needs updated to 2026
Whitewater TBD 2026 old needs updated to 2026
Wood Carving • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Completed the Totin' Chip.
• Bring: proof of earning Totin' Chip.
  Wood Carving Worksheet
Woodwork • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Completed the Totin' Chip.
• Bring: proof of earning Totin' Chip.
  Woodwork Worksheet