CNA vs PALS
Certified Nursing Assistant 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.
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.
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 | CNA | PALS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Nursing Assistant | Pediatric Advanced 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% | +3.50% |
| Prerequisites | Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours) | Current BLS certification |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CNA or PALS?
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 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 — CNA vs PALS
Is CNA or PALS harder?
Both CNA and PALS require preparation and hands-on practice. CNA covers nursing assistant scenarios; PALS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CNA 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 — CNA or PALS?
CNA certification is associated with approximately a 5% salary increase; PALS approximately 3.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.