The Scouts BSA Test Lab is live!
A product of the Scouts BSA National Committee, the Scouts BSA Test Lab is a way for Scouts and adults to try out new potential merit badges, report back on their experiences and, in the process, help shape the future of Scouting.
“We want to give our youth as much of a say as possible,” says Test Lab Chairman Scott Berger. “The Test Lab is a brand-new way to get input on new ideas that over the years people have written in about.”
The Scouts BSA merit badge program is designed to introduce youth to a sport, craft, science, trade, business or future career with which they otherwise might not be familiar.
With 139 merit badges out there already (including a new one that launched this month), you might think we have all of our bases covered.
But society is always changing, and with it, the interests of youth. How do we decide what topic deserves to become a new merit badge?
Enter the Scouts BSA Test Lab, an exciting way to help in the development of fun and interesting new topics unique to the Scouts BSA program.
How does the Scouts BSA Test Lab work?
There are currently three topics active in the Test Lab: Auctioneering, Wildland Fire Management and Life Skills.
Each has its own list of requirements, structured like every current merit badge. Scouts can choose to work with any registered adult Scouting America volunteer on any or all of the topics they like.
When they’re done, both the youth and adult should fill out the online survey to let the committee know about their experience.
How do I find a counselor to work on Scouts BSA Test Lab topics?
Since these are not official merit badges, Scouts do not need to work with an official merit badge counselor. They must, however, work with an adult registered with Scouting America, and they must follow all Scouting America safety and youth protection rules.
Everything a Scout needs to complete the test requirements can be found at the Scouts BSA Test Lab website.
Keep in mind, there is no guarantee that the current Test Lab options will ever become official merit badges. However, if any of the topics become official merit badges before the Scout turns 18, the Scout can immediately be credited with earning the merit badge.
Will the topics in the Test Lab change?
Yes!
Auctioneering, Wildland Fire Management and Life Skills will be available through June 30, 2026. At that time, the requirements will be removed from the Test Lab website, and the surveys will be closed.
It will be decided shortly after that if any should become an official merit badge.
The Scouts BSA National Committee is currently evaluating future merit badge topics.
Check the Scouts BSA Test Lab website regularly for updates.
Click here to suggest a new merit badge.
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