Scouts BSA · Pilot Programs & Innovation
The Scouts BSA Test Lab is Scouting America’s official innovation platform where prototype merit badges are tested and evaluated by Scouts. Complete the requirements, fill out the official survey, and your feedback directly decides which prototype badges become permanent official merit badges!
6 Active Prototype Badges: Auctioneering • Dance • Military Service & Veterans • Physics • Psychology • Sewing & Needlework
Key policies from Scouting America’s official June 2026 Test Lab guidance:
You do not need a pre-approved council counselor to work on Test Lab badges. Any registered adult volunteer of your choosing can oversee your progress and mentor you through the requirements.
After completing all requirements, take the official survey on scouting.org. The survey unlocks your official Certificate of Completion, which must be signed and dated by your supervising adult.
When Scouting America approves a Test Lab badge as an official merit badge, your signed certificate acts as a completed "blue card." No counselor re-evaluation is required—your unit leader enters it into Scoutbook Plus!
Scouting America relies directly on youth surveys to decide whether a badge is adopted. By submitting your survey, you vote for or against the badge and suggest improvements to make it more engaging.
Review the requirements and worksheets for all 6 prototype merit badges currently in the Test Lab:
Master bid calling, auction ethics, merchandise cataloging, and conduct a live charity or mock auction.
Explore the fast-paced world of auctions. Scouts learn the famous auctioneer chant, understand contract law and ethical standards, catalog estate and charity items, and organize and execute a live auction event.
Discover dance as an art form, athletic discipline, and cultural heritage while choreographing original pieces.
Dive into choreography, dance history, physical conditioning, and performance. Scouts analyze various dance genres, learn injury prevention, design costumes and lighting, and rehearse and perform choreography for their unit or community.
Honor American service members, study military history and traditions, and conduct a community veterans service project.
Examine the heritage and roles of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Scouts learn military customs, courtesies, and flag etiquette, document a veteran’s personal oral history, and partner with a local veterans organization for community service.
Investigate the fundamental laws of motion, energy, optics, and thermodynamics through hands-on laboratory experiments.
Probe how the universe works from classical mechanics to quantum theory. Scouts conduct practical laboratory experiments demonstrating Newton’s laws, waves, optics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamic principles, connecting theory to modern technological marvels.
Explore human cognition, perception, emotional resilience, and research ethics in the science of the mind.
Learn how humans think, feel, and perceive the world. Scouts examine brain functions, cognitive biases, memory systems, social dynamics, and mental wellness techniques while designing an ethical psychology experiment and exploring behavioral health careers.
Master textile construction, machine operation, hand stitching, pattern reading, and garment alterations.
Build lifelong practical skills in textile creation and gear repair. Scouts learn sewing machine operation and safety, master essential hand stitches, select fabrics, read commercial patterns, alter and mend garments, and construct a complete wearable or camping gear project.
Scouting America has announced several additional prototype topics undergoing development for the Test Lab, including:
Stay tuned! As new Test Lab badges are officially rolled out by Scouting America, we will create printable study worksheets for each one.
Find answers regarding Blue Card equivalency, entering completions into Scoutbook Plus, handling lost certificates, and advancement rules in our official FAQ guide.
View Test Lab FAQs