ACLS vs PCCN
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support vs Progressive Care Certified 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.
PCCN
Progressive Care Certified Nurse · American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
PCCN certifies nurses caring for acutely ill patients in intermediate or step-down units. Complements CCRN for nurses in progressive care settings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | ACLS | PCCN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support | Progressive Care Certified Nurse |
| Issuing Body | American Heart Association | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) |
| Category | Emergency & Life Support | Critical Care |
| Exam Cost | $175 | $275 |
| Validity | 24 months | 36 months |
| CE Credits Required | N/A | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +4.50% | +8.00% |
| Prerequisites | Current BLS certification | Current RN license; 1,750 hours caring for acutely ill patients in the past 2 years |
| Demand Level | high | medium |
Which should I get — ACLS or PCCN?
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 PCCN if…
- • You work in Critical Care settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers PCCN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 1,750 hours caring for acutely ill patients in the past 2 years
- • You want a ~8% salary boost
FAQ — ACLS vs PCCN
Is ACLS or PCCN harder?
Both ACLS and PCCN require preparation and hands-on practice. ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios; PCCN covers critical care scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both ACLS and PCCN?
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 PCCN?
ACLS certification is associated with approximately a 4.5% salary increase; PCCN approximately 8%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.