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