CNA vs PCCN
Certified Nursing Assistant 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.
CNA
High DemandCertified Nursing Assistant · State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state)
CNA certification is required to work as a nursing assistant in most US states. Training covers patient care, vital signs, infection control, and dignity-centered care.
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 | CNA | PCCN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Nursing Assistant | Progressive Care Certified Nurse |
| Issuing Body | State Nurse Aide Registry (varies by state) | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) |
| Category | Nursing Assistant | Critical Care |
| Exam Cost | $150 | $275 |
| Validity | 24 months | 36 months |
| CE Credits Required | 12 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +5.00% | +8.00% |
| Prerequisites | Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours) | Current RN license; 1,750 hours caring for acutely ill patients in the past 2 years |
| Demand Level | high | medium |
Which should I get — CNA or PCCN?
Choose CNA if…
- • You work in Nursing Assistant settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers CNA
- • You have met the prerequisites: Completion of state-approved CNA training program (75+ hours)
- • You want a ~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 — CNA vs PCCN
Is CNA or PCCN harder?
Both CNA and PCCN require preparation and hands-on practice. CNA covers nursing assistant scenarios; PCCN covers critical care scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both CNA 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 — CNA or PCCN?
CNA certification is associated with approximately a 5% salary increase; PCCN approximately 8%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.