Changes to requirements for Boy Scout advancement

When there is a conflict between two published lists of requirements, such as Boy Scout Requirements (BSA Publication No. 33215) and a Merit Badge Pamphlet, the requirements book should be considered to be the controlling document, until a newer edition of Boy Scout Requirements is issued.

BSA issued new editions of ALL of the merit badge pamphlets on August 1, 2008. The primary change to most of the pamphlets was the introduction of color photographs and diagrams, and new covers. The actual text and requirements, in most cases did not change from the previous editions. In some cases, however, the new editions do contain new information, and new requirements. If the copyright date in the new pamphlet is not 2008, the text in the pamphlet, including the requirements, did not change, only the cover and illustrations. In addition, two of the old pamphlets, for the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Merit Badges were combined into a single pamphlet, although the Merit Badges remain separate and distinct from each other. Also, one Merit Badge, Auto Mechanics, was renamed to Automotive Maintenance, (and the emblem on the badge was changed). Although a new edition of the Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet was issued, the requirements did not change. However, the footnote relative to alternative requirements for the Second Class and First Class rank swimming requirements was deleted.

The Merit Badges listed below had new merit badge pamphlets issued on August 1, 2008, and have totally new or modified requirements listed in the new pamphlets. The requirements below will become official on January 1, 2009, but with their counselor's approval, Scouts may use these new requirements instead of the old ones until that date.

Those Scouts working on any badges using the old requirements and who started before the new books were issued may complete the badge using the old requirements. Those starting work on a badge after the new books were issued, may, until December 31, 2008, use either the old or new requirements, at their option. If they use the old requirements, they may still complete the badge using the old requirements, even after January 1, 2009.

• List of changes