Advanced Education vs. Continuing Education

Do You Know the Difference?

It makes a big difference for your profession.

Certification is for your profession.
Continuing Education is for your license.



One of the most common types of certification is professional certification, where a person is certified as being able to competently complete a job or task, usually by the passing of an examination.

It’s important to note that Certification does not refer to the state of legally being able to practice or work in a profession. That is licensure. Usually, licensure is administered by a governmental entity for public protection purposes and a professional association administers certification.



Continuing Education (CE) for professionals is a specific learning activity generally characterized by the issuance of continuing education units (CEU) for the purpose of documenting attendance at a designated seminar or course of instruction. Licensing bodies in a number of fields impose continuing education requirements on members who hold licenses to practice within a particular profession.


What Value Does a Certification have?

Certification demonstrates and focuses on the public being able to identify competent caregivers, easily. With this focus, certifications heighten the Practical Nursing profession by recognizing professional achievement of Advanced Education.

Certification recognizes specialized knowledge base which enhances the Practical Nurse professionalism and should develop an advanced financial reimbursement criterion for the profession.



See also national patient safety goals and rn salary by state.

Certification should develop and foster an enlarged role and heightened employment retention within the employment setting. Because certification of Practical Nursing practice measures a recognized professional attainment in their specific nursing field and knowledge, skills, and abilities in this specific specialty field, the Certified Practical Nurses will be recognized for their employability in the professional nursing profession.



As you begin your education journey to build your Practical or Vocational Nursing Career, have you thought about building skills that could help you:

– Retain your job
– Increase your pay rate
– Build your career and profession



National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) is an advocacy group for Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurses, Certificated Nursing Assistants, other Allied Health Professionals, and Advanced Education for adult learners. NAPNES is proud to offer these groups specialized nursing certificates.


Advanced Education Certifications not only gives you an edge in the industry, but many employers will pay extra money per hour after you are certified in a specific area. In the ever-changing world of healthcare, it is important that you seek additional education and training whenever possible.

The NAPNES nursing certifications are designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge, and professionalism to launch a new career or advance in your current position.



Certification Makes You More Employable. Build Your Future and Career!

See also dorsal recumbent position and nursing brain sheet.