Composite Materials Merit Badge

Composite Materials and the Trail to Eagle

Composite Materials is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

Composite Materials Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 6 main requirements for Composite Materials. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Explain the hazards you may encounter while working with composite materials and the appropriate safety gear.
2
Explain what a composite material is, including matrix and reinforcement.
3
Give examples of three different composite materials.
4
Discuss how composite materials are used in five industries.
5
Create a project using composite materials.
6
Find out about three career opportunities in the composites field.

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 Composite Materials Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

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

2. Plan around the setting

Composite Materials 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 a month for a challenging 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 6 Composite Materials requirements for you.

Composite Materials Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Composite Materials merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. Composite Materials is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.

How long does the Composite Materials merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Composite Materials in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Composite Materials merit badge?

Composite Materials is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Composite Materials can sign off requirements.