What the Congressional Award Silver Medal takes: 200 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 100 of Personal Development and 100 of Physical Fitness over at least 12 months, and a 3-day, 2-night expedition. A weekly plan, the rules and a free tracker.
What the Silver Medal takes
| Area | Hours | Months of activity |
|---|
| Voluntary Public Service | 200 | 12 |
| Personal Development | 100 | 12 |
| Physical Fitness | 100 | 12 |
| Expedition/Exploration | 3 days, 2 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 12 months, the 400 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 Silver Medal needs one trip of 3 days, 2 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 Silver Medal Record Books submitted on or after October 15, 2026, you receive the physical Silver Medal. A physical medal for a lower level you did not submit separately costs $145.
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 Silver Medal?
400 hours: 200 of Voluntary Public Service, 100 of Personal Development and 100 of Physical Fitness, plus a 3-day, 2-night expedition.
How long does the Congressional Award Silver Medal take?
At least 12 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 Silver Medal need?
A 3-day, 2-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 Silver 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.