Common Course Numbering (CCN) System
The Common Course Numbering (CCN) System is a state-mandated initiative aimed at simplifying student transfer and ensuring uniformity in course numbers across California Community Colleges. West Valley College began phasing in courses into this new numbering system beginning Fall 2025.
A Common Course Number is comprised of four elements:
- Subject: 4-letter standardized abbreviation to be used across the state
- Course Type Identifier: All CCN courses are indicated with a “C” prefix before the number
- Course Number: Standardized 4-digit course identification.
- Optional Characters: Up to two optional characters after the first number (e.g. “H” for Honors)
| Prior Course | Common Course Number |
|---|---|
| ARTS 001A: Survey of Western Art I | ARTH C1100: Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era |
| ARTS 001B: Survey of Western Art II | ARTH C1200: Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary |
| ARTS 001BH: Honors Survey of Western Art II | ARTH C1200H: Survey of Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary - Honors |
| COMM 001: Public Speaking | COMM C1000: Introduction to Public Speaking |
| COMM 001H: Honors Public Speaking | COMM C1000H: Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors |
| ECON 001A: Principles of Macroeconomics | ECON C2002: Principles of Macroeconomics |
| ECON 001AH: Honors Principles of Macroeconomics | ECON C2002H: Principles of Macroeconomics - Honors |
| ECON 001B: Principles of Microeconomics | ECON C2001: Principles of Microeconomics |
| ECON 001BH: Honors Principles of Microeconomics | ECON C2001H: Principles of Microeconomics - Honors |
| ENGL 001A: English Composition | ENGL C1000: Academic Reading and Writing |
| ENGL 001C: Critical Thinking and Writing | ENGL C1001: Critical Thinking and Writing |
| ENGL 001CH: Honors Critical Thinking and Writing | ENGL C1001H: Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors |
| HIST 017A: United States History | HIST C1001: United States History to 1877 |
| HIST 017B: United States History | HIST C1002: United States History since 1865 |
| MATH 010: Elementary Statistics | STAT C1000: Introduction to Statistics |
| MATH 010H: Honors Elementary Statistics | STAT C1000H: Introduction to Statistics - Honors |
| POLI 001: American Government | POLS C1000: American Government and Politics |
| POLI 001H: Honors American Government | POLS C1000H: American Government and Politics - Honors |
| PSYC 001: General Psychology | PSYC C1000: Introduction to Psychology |
The following table provides a crosswalk of courses that are not currently part of Common Course Numbering, but also changed their subject code and/or course number because of CCN implementation.
| Prior Course | New Course |
|---|---|
| ARTS 001D/001DH | ARTH 001D/001DH |
| ARTS 001E | ARTH 001E |
| ARTS 004 | ARTH 004 |
| ARTS 007 | ARTH 007 |
| ARTS 010 | ARTH 010 |
| ARTS 012A | ARTH 012A |
| ARTS 013 | ARTH 013 |
| ARTS 014 | ARTH 014 |
| ARTS 095 | ARTH 095 |
| MATH 010C | STAT 1000S |
| MATH 105 | STAT 105 |
| POLI 002 | POLS 002 |
| POLI 003/003H | POLS 003/003H |
| POLI 004 | POLS 004 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect me?
Students who have previously taken the "old" courses at West Valley College will be restricted from enrolling in the CCN course. If they have completed the CCN course under a different name or number at another institution, it is their responsibility to ensure they do not duplicate coursework. This policy aligns with standard transfer credit practices. Check in with a counselor if you haven’t done so yet.
I took an honors CCN course (e.g., ENGL C1000H) at another college but West Valley College doesn't offer it. Will it count?
Yes! Honors courses (with an H) count toward degree requirements and be used in the same way as ENGL C1000.
How can I tell if a course is part of the CCN system?
CCN courses are easy to spot! All CCN courses are indicated with a "C" prefix before the number.
Why did some subject prefixes change?
Some subject area codes (like POLI to POLS, ARTS to ARTH) were adjusted to match what's commonly used across California. This makes things clearer and more consistent statewide.
How will CCNs appear on my transcript?
For classes you took on or before Summer 2025, you will see the old course numbers. For classes taken on or after Fall 2025, you will see new CCNs which will have the letter "C" before the number.
Will courses that aren’t part of CCN still transfer?
Yes! Courses that haven’t changed will still transfer as usual under existing agreements with CSU, UC, private colleges, and HBCUs.
I completed MATH 010, but my degree now lists STAT C1000. Do I need to retake it?
No! MATH 010 = STAT C1000, so your previous course still meets the requirement.
I took PSYC 001 and didn’t pass. If I take PSYC C1000 and pass, will that replace my grade?
Yes! PSYC C1000 is the same course as PSYC 001, so your new passing grade will count.
The General Education requirements I am following include ENGL 001A. If I take ENGL C1000, will it satisfy the same requirement?
Yes! ENGL C1000 will satisfy the same requirement as ENGL 001A on the AA/AS Graduation Requirements and Cal-GETC.