ACLS vs PALS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support vs Pediatric Advanced Life Support — a side-by-side comparison of exam costs, prerequisites, salary impact, CE requirements, and which certification is best for your career path.
ACLS
High DemandAdvanced Cardiovascular Life Support · American Heart Association
ACLS builds on BLS with advanced airway management, pharmacology, and systematic approach to cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies. Required in ICU, ED, and PACU.
PALS
High DemandPediatric Advanced Life Support · American Heart Association
PALS focuses on recognition and treatment of cardiopulmonary emergencies in infants and children. Required in pediatric ED, PICU, and NICU settings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | ACLS | PALS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support | Pediatric Advanced Life Support |
| Issuing Body | American Heart Association | American Heart Association |
| Category | Emergency & Life Support | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $175 | $175 |
| Validity | 24 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | N/A | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +4.50% | +3.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current BLS certification | Current BLS certification |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — ACLS or PALS?
Choose ACLS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers ACLS
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current BLS certification
- • You want a ~4.5% salary boost
Choose PALS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers PALS
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current BLS certification
- • You want a ~3.5% salary boost
FAQ — ACLS vs PALS
Is ACLS or PALS harder?
Both ACLS and PALS require preparation and hands-on practice. ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios; PALS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both ACLS and PALS?
Yes. Many healthcare professionals hold both certifications, especially in settings that overlap (e.g., ICU nurses often have both CCRN and ACLS). Each is independently issued and maintained.
Which pays more — ACLS or PALS?
ACLS certification is associated with approximately a 4.5% salary increase; PALS approximately 3.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.