CNA vs CEN
Certified Nursing Assistant vs Certified Emergency 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.
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | CNA | CEN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Nursing Assistant | Certified Emergency Nurse |
| Issuing Body | State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state) | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) |
| Category | Nursing Assistant | Emergency Nursing |
| Exam Cost | $150 | $230 |
| Validity | 24 months | 48 months |
| CE Credits Required | 12 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +5.00% | +10.00% |
| Prerequisites | Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours) | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CNA or CEN?
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 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
FAQ — CNA vs CEN
Is CNA or CEN harder?
Both CNA and CEN require preparation and hands-on practice. CNA covers nursing assistant scenarios; CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CNA and CEN?
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 CEN?
CNA certification is associated with approximately a 5% salary increase; CEN approximately 10%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.