CEN vs PALS
Certified Emergency Nurse 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.
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.
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 | CEN | PALS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Emergency Nurse | Pediatric Advanced 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% | +3.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended | Current BLS certification |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CEN or PALS?
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 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 — CEN vs PALS
Is CEN or PALS harder?
Both CEN and PALS require preparation and hands-on practice. CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios; PALS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CEN 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 — CEN or PALS?
CEN certification is associated with approximately a 10% salary increase; PALS approximately 3.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.