What the Congressional Award Gold Medal takes: 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 of Personal Development and 200 of Physical Fitness over at least 24 months, and a 5-day, 4-night expedition. A weekly plan, the rules and a free tracker.
What the Gold Medal takes
| Area | Hours | Months of activity |
|---|
| Voluntary Public Service | 400 | 24 |
| Personal Development | 200 | 24 |
| Physical Fitness | 200 | 24 |
| Expedition/Exploration | 5 days, 4 nights, consecutive, on one trip |
The levels are cumulative, so hours and months you already logged for a lower level count here too. A month of activity is a month with at least one hour in that area, and no more than 8 hours count in one day.
A weekly plan
Spread over the minimum 24 months, the 800 hours come to about 8 hours a week across the three areas. Log at least an hour in each area every month, so the month count keeps pace with your hours. Plan your own dates below.
The expedition
The Gold Medal needs one trip of 5 days, 4 nights, with the days and nights in a row. You plan the route, the activities and the schedule yourself, with 6 to 8 hours of activity each day; one travel day each way can count. Submit one trip with the Record Book. Camps, mission trips, cruises, competitions, conferences and internships do not count. For trips that do, and the virtual option, see Congressional Award expedition ideas.
For Gold Medal Record Books submitted on or after October 15, 2026, you receive the physical Gold Medal. A physical medal for a lower level you did not submit separately costs $145.
Gold Medals are presented each year at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. To be part of a given year's ceremony, submit your Record Book by February 1 and any revisions by March 15 of that year.
What counts in each area
Service has to help the public, with no pay, class credit or hours used for a graduation requirement, and at most 25% indirect work such as planning or fundraising. Personal development and fitness goals have to be measurable and challenging, outside class and your daily routine. See what counts in Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development and Physical Fitness. Every rule, with examples, is on the Congressional Award tracker page and in the requirements guide. For goals to start from, see 24 goal examples; for who can sign, see Advisor and Validators. You can also print the activity log (PDF).
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is the Congressional Award Gold Medal?
800 hours: 400 of Voluntary Public Service, 200 of Personal Development and 200 of Physical Fitness, plus a 5-day, 4-night expedition.
How long does the Congressional Award Gold Medal take?
At least 24 months of activity in each area: a month counts when you log at least one hour in that area. Months do not have to be consecutive.
What expedition does the Gold Medal need?
A 5-day, 4-night trip, with the days and nights in a row and 6 to 8 hours of activity each day. You plan it yourself.
Can I go straight to the Gold Medal?
Yes. You can start at any level, and an approved level also recognizes the lower levels it includes. The national office suggests submitting a lower level first to make sure your goals are approved.