Digital Technology and the Trail to Eagle
Digital Technology 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.
Digital Technology Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Digital Technology. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Show your counselor your current knowledge of digital technology by doing the following:
- a.Explain to your counselor how to create strong passwords.
- b.Discuss with your counselor the potential risks of using digital technology.
- c.Explain to your counselor how digital technology has changed the way people communicate.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Explain what a computer network is and how it works.
- b.Explain the difference between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
- 3
Do ONE of the following:
- a.Explain how digital devices communicate using binary code.
- b.Explain what the Internet of Things is and give three examples.
- 4
Discuss with your counselor the issues related to the responsible use of digital technology.
- 5
Do ONE of the following:
- a.Using a spreadsheet or database program, develop a useful project.
- b.Using a web design tool or programming language, create a functioning website.
- c.Using a digital presentation tool, create a presentation about a topic of interest.
- 6
Find out about three career opportunities in digital technology.
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 Digital Technology Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Digital Technology, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Digital Technology 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 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 16 Digital Technology requirements for you.
Digital Technology Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Digital Technology merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Digital Technology 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 Digital Technology merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Digital Technology in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Digital Technology merit badge?
Digital Technology is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Digital Technology can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Digital Technology merit badge have?
Digital Technology has 6 main requirements with 10 sub-requirements, for 16 items in total.
