BLS vs CEN
Basic 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.
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.
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 | BLS | CEN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Basic 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 | $85 | $230 |
| Validity | 24 months | 48 months |
| CE Credits Required | N/A | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +1.50% | +10.00% |
| Prerequisites | None — open to all healthcare providers | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — BLS or CEN?
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
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 — BLS vs CEN
Is BLS or CEN harder?
Both BLS and CEN require preparation and hands-on practice. BLS covers emergency & life support scenarios; CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both BLS 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 — BLS or CEN?
BLS certification is associated with approximately a 1.5% salary increase; CEN approximately 10%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.