ACLS vs BLS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support 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.
ACLS
High DemandAdvanced Cardiovascular Life Support · American Heart Association
ACLS builds on BLS with advanced airway management, pharmacology, and systematic approach to cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies. Required in ICU, ED, and PACU.
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 | ACLS | BLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support | Basic Life Support |
| Issuing Body | American Heart Association | American Heart Association |
| Category | Emergency & Life Support | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $175 | $85 |
| Validity | 24 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | N/A | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +4.50% | +1.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current BLS certification | None — open to all healthcare providers |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — ACLS or BLS?
Choose ACLS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers ACLS
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current BLS certification
- • You want a ~4.5% 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 — ACLS vs BLS
Is ACLS or BLS harder?
Both ACLS and BLS require preparation and hands-on practice. ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios; BLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both ACLS 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 — ACLS or BLS?
ACLS certification is associated with approximately a 4.5% salary increase; BLS approximately 1.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.