CNA vs BLS
Certified Nursing Assistant 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.
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.
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 | CNA | BLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Nursing Assistant | Basic Life Support |
| Issuing Body | State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Nursing Assistant | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $150 | $85 |
| Validity | 24 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 12 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +5.00% | +1.50% |
| Prerequisites | Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours) | None — open to all healthcare providers |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CNA or BLS?
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 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 — CNA vs BLS
Is CNA or BLS harder?
Both CNA and BLS require preparation and hands-on practice. CNA covers nursing assistant scenarios; BLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CNA 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 — CNA or BLS?
CNA certification is associated with approximately a 5% salary increase; BLS approximately 1.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.