*This year signifies the year the scout first completed all of the merit badges available. The earning of newly introduced merit badges are added to the total count, but the year is not updated for simplicity in maintaining this list.

**Please use the following table to decipher the codes used above.

We are usually working on confirming this achievement of other scouts. The following are scouts we have heard of but are currently unconfirmed. Most often we are awaiting the specific details of their achievement. If you know of any information on these scouts, please contact us or direct these scouts to contact us.

1. Larry Johnson of Glendale, Arizona. Earned all merit badges in 1960.
2. James Ray, location unknown. Earned all merit badges in the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s.
3. Name Unknown of Northern Ohio or vicinity. Earned all merit badges in the 1940s.

"Earning all of the merit badges" can be somewhat of an ambiguous phrase and cause confusion when reviewing a list such as this where scouts have earned various numbers of merit badges. Generally, we consider a scout to have earned "all of the merit badges" if they earn those merit badges on the list of currently offered by Scouting America. The primary cause of number differences on this list is due to the fact that from time to time Scouting Americawill remove merit badges from the currently offered list and add new merit badges to the list.

In Scouting America's "Guide to Advancement" it provides clarification as to the status of discontinued merit badges. It states, "Scouts may not begin working on discontinued merit badges. If actual effort has already begun by the time discontinuation becomes effective, and work actively continues, then the badge may be completed and can count toward rank advancement, but presentation of the badge itself will be subject to availability. It is a misconception that discontinued merit badges may be earned as long as the patch and requirements can be found."

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