CNA vs ACLS
Certified Nursing Assistant 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.
CNA
High DemandCertified Nursing Assistant · State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state)
CNA certification is required to work as a nursing assistant in most US states. Training covers patient care, vital signs, infection control, and dignity-centered care.
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 | CNA | ACLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Nursing Assistant | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support |
| Issuing Body | State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Nursing Assistant | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $150 | $175 |
| Validity | 24 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 12 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +5.00% | +4.50% |
| Prerequisites | Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours) | Current BLS certification |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CNA or ACLS?
Choose CNA if…
- • You work in Nursing Assistant settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers CNA
- • You have met the prerequisites: Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours)
- • You want a ~5% 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 — CNA vs ACLS
Is CNA or ACLS harder?
Both CNA and ACLS require preparation and hands-on practice. CNA covers nursing assistant scenarios; ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CNA 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 — CNA or ACLS?
CNA certification is associated with approximately a 5% salary increase; ACLS approximately 4.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.