CCRN vs CEN
Critical Care Registered Nurse 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.
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.
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 | CCRN | CEN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Critical Care Registered Nurse | Certified Emergency Nurse |
| Issuing Body | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) |
| Category | Critical Care | Emergency Nursing |
| Exam Cost | $275 | $230 |
| Validity | 36 months | 48 months |
| CE Credits Required | 100 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +12.00% | +10.00% |
| 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 | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended |
| Demand Level | high | high |
Which should I get — CCRN or CEN?
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 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 — CCRN vs CEN
Is CCRN or CEN harder?
Both CCRN and CEN require preparation and hands-on practice. CCRN covers critical care scenarios; CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CCRN 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 — CCRN or CEN?
CCRN certification is associated with approximately a 12% salary increase; CEN approximately 10%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.