ACLS vs CEN
Advanced Cardiovascular 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.
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.
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 | ACLS | CEN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Advanced Cardiovascular 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 | +4.50% | +10.00% |
| Prerequisites | Current BLS certification | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — ACLS or CEN?
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 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 — ACLS vs CEN
Is ACLS or CEN harder?
Both ACLS and CEN require preparation and hands-on practice. ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios; CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both ACLS 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 — ACLS or CEN?
ACLS certification is associated with approximately a 4.5% salary increase; CEN approximately 10%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.