PALS vs CEN
Pediatric Advanced Life Support 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.
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.
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 | PALS | CEN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Pediatric Advanced Life Support | Certified Emergency Nurse |
| Issuing Body | American Heart Association | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) |
| Category | Emergency & Life Support | Emergency Nursing |
| Exam Cost | $175 | $230 |
| Validity | 24 months | 48 months |
| CE Credits Required | N/A | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +3.50% | +10.00% |
| Prerequisites | Current BLS certification | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — PALS or CEN?
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
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 — PALS vs CEN
Is PALS or CEN harder?
Both PALS and CEN require preparation and hands-on practice. PALS covers emergency & life support scenarios; CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both PALS 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 — PALS or CEN?
PALS certification is associated with approximately a 3.5% salary increase; CEN approximately 10%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.