CNA vs CCRN
Certified Nursing Assistant vs Critical Care Registered Nurse — 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.
CCRN
High DemandCritical Care Registered Nurse · American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
CCRN is the gold standard for critical care nursing, recognizing expertise in caring for acutely and critically ill patients. Consistently linked to higher salaries and career advancement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | CNA | CCRN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Nursing Assistant | Critical Care Registered Nurse |
| Issuing Body | State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state) | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) |
| Category | Nursing Assistant | Critical Care |
| Exam Cost | $150 | $275 |
| Validity | 24 months | 36 months |
| CE Credits Required | 12 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +5.00% | +12.00% |
| Prerequisites | Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours) | Current RN license; 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill patients in the past 2 years, 875 of which within the past year preceding application |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CNA or CCRN?
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 CCRN if…
- • You work in Critical Care settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers CCRN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill patients in the past 2 years, 875 of which within the past year preceding application
- • You want a ~12% salary boost
FAQ — CNA vs CCRN
Is CNA or CCRN harder?
Both CNA and CCRN require preparation and hands-on practice. CNA covers nursing assistant scenarios; CCRN covers critical care scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CNA and CCRN?
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 CCRN?
CNA certification is associated with approximately a 5% salary increase; CCRN approximately 12%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.