PCCN vs CCRN
Progressive Care Certified 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.
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.
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 | PCCN | CCRN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Progressive Care Certified Nurse | Critical Care Registered Nurse |
| Issuing Body | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) |
| Category | Critical Care | Critical Care |
| Exam Cost | $275 | $275 |
| Validity | 36 months | 36 months |
| CE Credits Required | 100 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +8.00% | +12.00% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 1,750 hours caring for acutely ill patients in the past 2 years | 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 | medium | high |
Which should I get — PCCN or CCRN?
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
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 — PCCN vs CCRN
Is PCCN or CCRN harder?
Both PCCN and CCRN require preparation and hands-on practice. PCCN covers critical care scenarios; CCRN covers critical care scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both PCCN 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 — PCCN or CCRN?
PCCN certification is associated with approximately a 8% salary increase; CCRN approximately 12%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.