CCRN vs BLS
Critical Care Registered Nurse 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.
CCRN
High DemandCritical Care Registered Nurse · American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
CCRN is the gold standard for critical care nursing, recognizing expertise in caring for acutely and critically ill patients. Consistently linked to higher salaries and career advancement.
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 | CCRN | BLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Critical Care Registered Nurse | Basic Life Support |
| Issuing Body | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Critical Care | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $275 | $85 |
| Validity | 36 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 100 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +12.00% | +1.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill patients in the past 2 years, 875 of which within the past year preceding application | None — open to all healthcare providers |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CCRN or BLS?
Choose CCRN if…
- • You work in Critical Care settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers CCRN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill patients in the past 2 years, 875 of which within the past year preceding application
- • You want a ~12% 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 — CCRN vs BLS
Is CCRN or BLS harder?
Both CCRN and BLS require preparation and hands-on practice. CCRN covers critical care scenarios; BLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CCRN 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 — CCRN or BLS?
CCRN certification is associated with approximately a 12% salary increase; BLS approximately 1.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.