CEN vs ACLS
Certified Emergency Nurse vs Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support — a side-by-side comparison of exam costs, prerequisites, salary impact, CE requirements, and which certification is best for your career path.
CEN
High DemandCertified Emergency Nurse · Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)
CEN is the premier credential for emergency nurses, demonstrating mastery of triage, trauma care, and emergency interventions. Widely recognized and employer-preferred for ED roles.
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | CEN | ACLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Emergency Nurse | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support |
| Issuing Body | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Emergency Nursing | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $230 | $175 |
| Validity | 48 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 100 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +10.00% | +4.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended | Current BLS certification |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CEN or ACLS?
Choose CEN if…
- • You work in Emergency Nursing settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers CEN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended
- • You want a ~10% salary boost
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
FAQ — CEN vs ACLS
Is CEN or ACLS harder?
Both CEN and ACLS require preparation and hands-on practice. CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios; ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CEN and ACLS?
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 — CEN or ACLS?
CEN certification is associated with approximately a 10% salary increase; ACLS approximately 4.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.