CEN vs BLS
Certified Emergency Nurse vs Basic 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.
BLS
High DemandBasic Life Support · American Heart Association
BLS certification covers CPR for adults, children, and infants, AED use, and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. Required for most clinical healthcare roles.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | CEN | BLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Emergency Nurse | Basic Life Support |
| Issuing Body | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Emergency Nursing | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $230 | $85 |
| Validity | 48 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 100 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +10.00% | +1.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended | None — open to all healthcare providers |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CEN or BLS?
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 BLS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers BLS
- • You have met the prerequisites: None — open to all healthcare providers
- • You want a ~1.5% salary boost
FAQ — CEN vs BLS
Is CEN or BLS harder?
Both CEN and BLS require preparation and hands-on practice. CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios; BLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CEN and BLS?
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 BLS?
CEN certification is associated with approximately a 10% salary increase; BLS approximately 1.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.