Radio and the Trail to Eagle
Radio 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.
Radio Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 9 main requirements for Radio. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Explain what radio is. Discuss the differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel locally and around the world.
- b.Explain how the radio stations WWV and WWVH can be used to help determine what you can expect to hear on a shortwave radio.
- c.Explain the difference between a distant (DX) and a local station.
- d.Discuss what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does.
- 3
Do the following:
- a.Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 3,000 megahertz (MHz).
- b.Label the MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum.
- c.Locate on your chart at least eight radio services.
- 4
Explain how radio waves carry information.
- 5
Do the following:
- a.Explain the differences between a block diagram and a schematic diagram.
- b.Draw a block diagram for a radio station.
- c.Discuss how information is sent using AM, FM, CW, and digital transmission.
- 6
Explain the safety precautions for working with radio gear.
- 7
Visit a radio installation approved by your counselor.
- 8
Find out about three career opportunities in radio.
- 9
Do ONE of the following options: Option A: Amateur Radio, Option B: Radio Broadcasting, Option C: Shortwave and Medium-Wave Listening, or Option D: Amateur Radio Direction Finding.
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 Radio Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Radio, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Radio 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 19 Radio requirements for you.
Radio Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Radio merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Radio 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 Radio merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Radio in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Radio merit badge?
Radio is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Radio can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Radio merit badge have?
Radio has 9 main requirements with 10 sub-requirements, for 19 items in total.
