OCN vs CEN
Oncology Certified 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.
OCN
Oncology Certified Nurse · Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
OCN demonstrates expertise in oncology nursing practice including cancer treatment, symptom management, and patient education. Sought by cancer centers and infusion units.
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 | OCN | CEN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Oncology Certified Nurse | Certified Emergency Nurse |
| Issuing Body | Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) |
| Category | Oncology | Emergency Nursing |
| Exam Cost | $230 | $230 |
| Validity | 48 months | 48 months |
| CE Credits Required | 120 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +8.00% | +10.00% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 1 year (2,000 hours) oncology nursing experience; 10 contact hours of oncology CE within the last 3 years | Current RN license; 2 years of emergency nursing experience recommended |
| Demand Level | medium | high |
Which should I get — OCN or CEN?
Choose OCN if…
- • You work in Oncology settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers OCN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 1 year (2,000 hours) oncology nursing experience; 10 contact hours of oncology CE within the last 3 years
- • You want a ~8% 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 — OCN vs CEN
Is OCN or CEN harder?
Both OCN and CEN require preparation and hands-on practice. OCN covers oncology scenarios; CEN covers emergency nursing scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both OCN 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 — OCN or CEN?
OCN certification is associated with approximately a 8% salary increase; CEN approximately 10%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.