Communication Merit Badge

Communication and the Trail to Eagle

Communication is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete Communication, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.

Communication Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 5 main requirements for Communication. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Do ONE of the following: keep a communication log for one day, keep a listening journal for three days, or participate in a small-group sharing exercise.
2
Do ONE of the following: create a self-presentation, build a sales plan, write and give a five-minute speech, or make an instructional presentation.
3
Do ONE of the following: prepare and deliver an oral presentation, write a newsletter article or blog post, or create a web page.
4
Do ONE of the following: attend a public meeting and report, interview someone, or organize a committee and carry out a project.
5
Do ONE of the following: prepare and present a five-minute presentation, or write a 500-word piece on a topic of your choice.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Communication Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Communication, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Communication is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 6 weeks for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 5 Communication requirements for you.