What if a scout has advanced qualifications for MB?

[scoutmaster54]

My question is this, what if a scout has already passed a course or holds a license or certificate that is above the MB reqs? The best example would be a scout who is American Red Cross certified as a lifeguard. The reqs for that are above the reqs for the lifesaving MB. How about a scout with their pilots license and aviation MB? How about a scout who has passed an EMT course and the first aid MB? Do you think it is reasonable and/or acceptable to sort of "rubber stamp" the merit badge?

[smtroop168]

My question is this, what if a scout has already passed a course or holds a license or certificate that is above the MB reqs? The best example would be a scout who is American Red Cross certified as a lifeguard. The reqs for that are above the reqs for the lifesaving MB. How about a scout with their pilots license and aviation MB? How about a scout who has passed an EMT course and the first aid MB? Do you think it is reasonable and/or acceptable to sort of "rubber stamp" the merit badge?

No. A scout must meet all MB requirements and have those approved by a BSA MBC. Here'a a couple of examples of MB requirements most likely not covered.

For Aviation:
3.Do ONE of the following:
a. Build and fly a fuel-driven or battery powered electric model airplane. Describe safety rules for building and flying model airplanes Tell safety rules for use of glue, paint, dope, plastics, fuel, and battery pack.
b. Build a model FPG-9. Get others in your troop or patrol to make their own model, then organize a competition to test the precision of flight and landing of the models.


for First Aid:
7.Teach another Scout a first-aid skill selected by your counselor.

The AMC Lifeguard reqs are:

Candidates must swim 300 yards continuously, using these strokes in the following order: 100 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick. Rhythmic breathing can be performed either by breathing to the side or to the front; 100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick and glide sequence; 100 yards of either the front crawl or breaststroke. The 100 yards may be a combination of front crawl or breaststroke. (Note: There is no time requirement for this skill.)

For Lifesaving MB its 400 yards

Swim continuously for 400 yards using each of the following strokes in a strong manner for at least 50 continuous yards: front crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke.


Give him a BC and an approved MBC
Have him meet with with the MBC and show his stuff
MBC will most likely give him credit for his quals.

[FrankJ]

if you have your open water dive certification, you will not have to earn it again for the SCUBA merit badge. You will have to fulfill the other requirements in the badge.

Most merit badge councilors are reasonable, they will review what a scout has done & accept the items that meet the requirement of the merit badge. Since a councilor is the only person that can approve the completion, the scout will have to have that conversation regardless of prior achievements. Most likely it will be a conversation with two people that have a shared passion.