A few merit badges have certain restrictions, but otherwise any registered Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, qualified Venturer or Sea Scout may work on them at any time.

Before beginning work with a merit badge counselor, a Boy Scout needs to have a discussion with the Scoutmaster.  After the discussion, the Scoutmaster will sign the "blue card" (Application for Merit Badge).  Scouts can get blue cards from the troop's Advancement Coordinator or they can be purchased from the Scout Shop.

For more information on the merit badge process, please see the BSA Guide to Advancement.


Resources for the BSA's merit badge program:

• Boy Scout Requirements Book (updated yearly and available at Scout Shops or can be ordered from ScoutStuff.org)
• BSA Guide to Advancement
• BSA's online Merit Badges web page
• BSA's online web page for Merit Badge Counselors
• Pacific Harbors Council Merit Badge Counselor Application form
• my.scouting.org (my.Scouting Tools) - Take Youth Protection and other online training here
• Scoutbook Scout advancement tracking
• Not required but helpful merit badge worksheets can be found at the U.S. Scouting Service Project or MeritBadge.org (these web sites are not affiliated with the BSA and are maintained by volunteers)