The four program areas
- Voluntary Public Service: unpaid work that helps your community.
- Personal Development: building a skill or interest, like music, coding or a language.
- Physical Fitness: regular activity that improves your health.
- Expedition/Exploration: a planned trip or exploration outside your normal routine.
Requirements for every level
| Level | Public service | Personal dev. | Fitness | Expedition | Total hours | Minimum time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Certificate | 30 | 15 | 15 | 1 day | 60 | — |
| Silver Certificate | 60 | 30 | 30 | 2 days | 120 | — |
| Gold Certificate | 90 | 45 | 45 | 3 days | 180 | 6 months |
| Bronze Medal | 100 | 50 | 50 | 1 overnight | 200 | 7 months |
| Silver Medal | 200 | 100 | 100 | 2 consecutive overnights | 400 | 12 months |
| Gold Medal | 400 | 200 | 200 | 4 consecutive overnights | 800 | 24 months |
Levels build on each other, so hours you log for a certificate also count toward the medals. Always confirm the current rules on the official Congressional Award site before you submit.
Who is eligible
You can register once you turn 13½, and you must complete your activities before your 24th birthday.
How to track your hours so nothing is lost
- Log right after each activity. Write the date, what you did and how long it took while it is fresh.
- Sort hours into the four areas. Each level needs a minimum in every area, so you want to see each total separately.
- Save proof. Keep photos, sign-in sheets or a note from your supervisor with each activity.
- Watch your progress. Compare your totals with the next level so you know exactly what is left.
My Award Tracker does all four for you: it logs your activities by category, keeps your evidence with each one, and shows a progress bar toward your award goal.
Frequently asked questions
Who can earn the Congressional Award?
Young people can register once they are 13½ years old and must finish their activities before their 24th birthday.
How many hours do you need for the Congressional Award Gold Medal?
At least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development and 200 hours of physical fitness (800 hours in total), plus an expedition with four consecutive overnights, over a minimum of 24 months.
What are the four program areas?
Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.