The first proficiency badge was a woven cloth Ambulance Badge dating between 1891-1893. By 1893 this was replaced by a nickel badge and this was the beginnings of the first award badges in the Boys’ Brigade. Badges pre 1939 were generally given a frosted finish with raised areas being polished. The number continued to grow until the last one, Expedition, was introduced in 1964. These nickel badges had an average weight between 6g - 8g. This whole scheme was withdrawn in 1968 and a completely new structure, with new designs introduced.

The second scheme had 24 barrel shaped badges. These were introduced in 1969 and were produced in a bronzed anodised aluminium with an average weight of 4g per badge. In 1976 production was changed and the badges were made from plastic, vacuum coated with a metallic finish and coloured plastic decals inserted. The average weight of these badges was 2g. The barrel badges were discontinued in 1984.

1983, the Centenary year, saw the last major revision when the current badges were introduced. Five new badges replaced the twenty-four awards with red and blue surrounds to indicated the level. Generally, these badges are made of metal covered with a ‘cold enamel’ coloured coating, although some are decals covered with clear epoxy resin. The average weight of these badges is 8g. Since their introduction these badges have not changed in design.