TOP to CIP Code Transition Project

Will TOP codes still be used for tracking programs or courses?

Only through the reporting period for spring 2027. Between now and then, colleges will need to report both TOP and CIP codes. After spring 2027 reporting, TOP codes will be fully phased out and we will only use CIP. Current TOP codes used for administrative activities will be recategorized under new labels. CIP codes will be used exclusively for instructional programs and courses (both credit and noncredit). TOP codes will no longer be used for any tracking purposes.

What steps should departments take now?

Begin internal reviews of applications using TOP codes, identify impacts, and plan for integration of CIP codes. Review CIP code descriptions in the NCES CIP code list to identify any codes you think are missing in the Crosswalk and send a request to review to TOP2CIP@cccco.edu. The Crosswalk will be open for potential revision through the end of March 2026 only.

Establish local departmental action teams to identify systems and documents that will be impacted and prioritize tasks. Members of these teams could include CIOs, CSSOs, CBOs, faculty, Curriculum Chairs, Curriculum Specialists, IR, IT, Facilities, and others.

• General: TOP2CIP@cccco.edu
• Curriculum: David Garcia (DGarcia@CCCCO.edu)
• Fiscal: Lorena Romero (LRomero@CCCCO.edu)
• MIS: Todd Hoig (THoig@CCCCO.edu)
• Noncredit: Jenni Abbott (JAbbott@cccco.edu)
• Workforce: JeanClaude Mbomeda (JMbomeda@CCCCO.edu)

How do you determine the CTE CIP codes? Is this based on the CTE TOP Code Crosswalk?

The CIP codes designated CTE are determined by NCES. CTE CIP code descriptions contain the phrase “A program that prepares individuals for…”, indicating an occupational focus. Programs that contain the phrase “A program that focuses on…” indicate that a program is academic or general in nature. You can view those descriptions on the CIP website: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/default.aspx?y=56.

Is there a similar crosswalk that will include SOC codes?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) developed and regularly updates a CIP to SOC crosswalk. The Centers of Excellence are working to assess how it differs from previous work. We will post a crosswalk in the coming months.

Will the CTE/noncredit status of CIP codes be indicated in COCI (similar to the asterisk for TOP codes)?

Yes, we will have a way to identify CTE and noncredit programs in COCI.

Can a program that transfers to a university also be coded as a CTE program?

Yes, if it meets the criteria of primarily focusing on labor market entry. To qualify as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), a program must provide a "sequence of courses" that integrates rigorous academic and technical knowledge to prepare students for "high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations" (20 U.S.C. § 2302(5)). While these programs are increasingly designed to transfer into four-year degrees via articulation agreements, federal law mandates they remain primarily focused on labor market entry; a program that lacks the specific technical instruction required for immediate employment fails to meet the statutory definition of CTE, regardless of its transferability (20 U.S.C. § 2301; 20 U.S.C. § 2355). 

What can we do if we don’t find the CIP code we need?

Review the CIP code options and descriptions at the NCES CIP code website. If you find a CIP code that more closely matches your program, please email a request for review to TOP2CIP@cccco.edu before March 30th.

Is the TOP to CIP Crosswalk different from the Excel document posted by CCCCO in June 2020?

Yes. The Crosswalk has been updated to ensure we are correctly mapping CTE, non-CTE, and noncredit TOP codes to CIP codes. We are also reviewing requests from colleges to consider adding CIP codes to map to existing TOP codes. This is a live Crosswalk through the end of March so we can accurately capture the appropriate mapping.

If you are revising the Crosswalk, how can we know what has changed?

We will post a Crosswalk Revisions log that includes the date and revisions made to the Crosswalk. It will be available in early March.

Who has access to the TOP to CIP Crosswalk?

The link to the Crosswalk is found on this webpage and is available to anyone who can set up a Google account.

How can we access the TOP to CIP Crosswalk if our District accounts are not Google?

You can use your district accounts. You will need to set them up in Google.

How can we send suggestions and edits for programs and courses to be considered in the Crosswalk?

While it is a local decision regarding who makes the recommendations for revisions, we are reviewing every request that comes to the TOP2CIP@cccco.edu email. If we can justify adding the requested TOP to CIP mapping, we will add it to the crosswalk. If not, we will let you know why.

What would be your guidance for how to approach the same CIP matching multiple TOP codes?

Review the NCES CIP code website, including descriptions. This is an opportunity to take a fresh look at what the codes should be. The description should closely match the intent of your program.

Can you explain what you mean by dual reporting?

To meet MIS reporting deadlines, we need colleges to report both TOP and CIP codes through the reporting period of spring 2027. If you develop a new program or make substantial revisions, you may need to submit a new TOP along with your selected CIP code. Colleges will need to have both TOP and CIP updated in COCI and in MIS submissions through this timeframe.

When will MIS CIP codes be required?

We are working to finalize the MIS specifications for CIP, but we will not implement those changes for 2026-27. We will release the updated DED changes for CIP which will be implemented for 2027-28 in the coming months.

CIP codes seem to be focused on the instructional credit and noncredit TOP to CIP Crosswalk. Where is the information on how to change the TOP codes for classified and management MIS reporting?

We currently use TOP for our Employee Assignment Account Code (EJ03) to define instructional assignments for district employes in our annual district staffing collection. TOP codes will be fully phased out by fall 2027. While CIP codes are only for instructional programs, we plan to update the definition of EJ03 to allow districts to report instructional assignments that map to CIP codes.

Do CIP codes for instructional programs align well with NAICS codes that categorize industries? It seems both systems could be useful to colleges working to teach students and facilitate their employment. 

CIP, like TOP, is structured to map to occupational codes (SOC). NCES established their own occupational mapping (CIP to SOC crosswalk) so that is helpful.

Do TOP code fields in COCI still drive CIP code options?

TOP codes are mapped to CIP codes in the Crosswalk, which is what COCI will use for dropdown options when you submit CIP codes. (If you feel a CIP code is missing, please submit a request to TOP2CIP@cccco.edu before the end of March). 

We were proactive in aligning our CIP codes using the former crosswalk. Are there significant changes to the crosswalk in terms of actual code changes?

Yes. As we became more familiar with CIP code organization, we understood that codes are specifically designated as ‘CTE’, ‘not-CTE’, or ‘noncredit’. Those changes are significant in some cases. We recommend you review your code alignment based on the current Crosswalk to assign accurate CIP codes.

COCI is missing several CIP codes that can be found on the CIP code website. When will all CIP codes be made available?

COCI will be updated to match the new Crosswalk so we can map current TOP codes to appropriate CIP codes. The Crosswalk will be finalized by early April, following which an interface tool will be connected to COCI with a drop-down menu of mapped CIP codes. This will ensure local decision-making and well-mapped TOP to CIP codes.

Have SIS vendors been engaged in this process?

The CO doesn’t generally directly contact district’s vendors but we are often invited to join discussions to help clarify specifications. I recommend reaching out to your vendor to determine their planning status and feel free to engage us in clarification discussions.

Can you clarify the scope and timing of the TOP to CIP transition by Fall 2027? Will this transition apply across key platforms such as COCI, DataMart, DataVista, and other platforms. 

COCI will be our source of truth for CIP codes assigned through different platforms. We are asking for all colleges to upload CIP codes into COCI by December 31, 2026, so that we can verify accuracy and begin to set up CIP codes in other systems. We are starting this work now but will not be able to fully set up other systems until all CIP codes are submitted.

When should colleges expect to discontinue the use of TOP codes for program submissions? And will TOP codes remain accessible for historical reference and analysis?

Colleges will need to submit both TOP codes and CIP codes for MIS reporting through the spring 2027 reporting period. This includes the development of a new program (submit both TOP and CIP). TOP codes will be available for historical reference; however, after the spring 2027 reporting period, TOP codes will no longer be used for current and future tracking.

How will CB codes change when we move to CIP?

Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, MIS data elements related to TOP codes, including CB03 (Course TOP code); SP01 (Student Program TOP code); SS02 (Student Credit Course of Study); SS12 (Student Noncredit Course of Study); EJ03 (Employee Assignment Account Code) will be updated or replaced by elements to use CIP.

Will all Course Outline of Record fields be required when updating the CIP code for courses?

No. COCI was updated in late February and will not require Course Outline of Record fields change when updating CIP codes.

Will there be a way to see what courses in COCI are missing CIP codes so we can continue to check our status throughout the year?

Colleges can go into COCI now and do a search to see which course/programs are missing CIP codes. You can export to an Excel spreadsheet and filter the information.

When should colleges update their federal Title IV Program Participation Agreement (PPA) with new CIP codes?

Colleges must update CIP codes and program names as part of the PPA recertification process. Typically, the college financial aid office is responsible for submitting and updating the PPA agreement. Any new program information should be provided to the financial aid director or other individual responsible for submitting/updating the PPA. More information about federal requirements are available from the U.S. Department of Education at https://studentaid.gov/data-center/school/ppa.

What should districts expect during the TOP to CIP transition for fiscal processes?

Because program taxonomy is embedded within key elements of fiscal reporting and the Chart of Accounts, the transition extends beyond curriculum—it directly affects financial structures, compliance, and audit requirements. Below is a summary of the core areas fiscal teams will be expected to monitor and safeguard throughout the transition.

• Coding changes do not break financial reporting
• The Chart of Accounts remains accurate and audit ready
• Budgeting, apportionment, and cost allocation remain compliant
• System changes (IT) align with fiscal requirements
• Crosswalks are governed properly and implemented safely
• The district maintains financial integrity throughout the transition 

Summary: What Fiscal Oversight Looks Like 

1. Coding changes do not break financial reporting 
Fiscal teams must ensure that changes to program or activity codes—especially where TOP is embedded—do not disrupt:

• CCFS-311 reporting
• 50% Law calculations
• EPA, Lottery, and other supplementary reports
• Year over year comparability
• MIS aligned fiscal data 

This includes reviewing crosswalks, testing system outputs, and performing variance checks. 

2. The Chart of Accounts remains accurate and audit ready 
Because Activity codes in the Chart of Accounts currently incorporate TOP codes, the transition must preserve: 

• Coding integrity
• Clear audit trails 
• Consistency with BAM guidelines 
• Transparent mapping from TOP to CIP (or interim structures) 

Fiscal teams are responsible for ensuring any redesign or mapping remains controllable and well documented.

3. Budgeting, apportionment, and cost allocation remain compliant 
Shifts in program coding affect how instructional costs are: 

• Assigned 
• Tracked 
• Reported 

Fiscal oversight ensures that CIP related changes do not unintentionally alter compliance with state requirements or distort program-based budgeting or apportionment calculations. 

4. System changes (IT) align with fiscal requirements 
ERP systems, data warehouses, scheduling systems, and MIS extract logic may need updates. 
Fiscal must: 

• Participate in system governance 
• Validate testing results 
• Ensure IT changes support fiscal accuracy 
• Prevent breaks in downstream reporting workflows 

This requires ongoing collaboration between Fiscal, IT, and Academic Affairs. 

5. Crosswalks are governed properly and implemented safely 
Whether using direct replacement, a transitional crosswalk, or a redesigned activity structure, fiscal oversight ensures: 

• Crosswalk accuracy 
• Version control 
• Effective dating 
• Audit ready documentation 
• Consistent use across all systems

Without fiscal governance, inconsistent or uncontrolled crosswalks can break compliance reporting. 

6. District financial integrity is preserved throughout the transition 
Fiscal oversight aims to ensure that the TOP→CIP transition: 

• Does not compromise financial reporting 
• Maintains compliance with BAM 
• Supports clear audit defensibility 
• Does not introduce unintended structural risks 
• Preserves statewide fiscal comparability 

Financial integrity must remain stable even as the academic taxonomy is modernized. 

When will the Fiscal Accounting Codes crosswalk be published?

Fiscal Standards is working on a BAM to CIP crosswalk. It will be reviewed and approved by the workgroup prior to release and then will be included in the TOP to CIP Crosswalk. We anticipate it will be available by the end of March.

Do the Department codes in the Chart of Accounts need to align with the instructional CIP code?

Yes, but districts that can’t accomplish that by June 2028 can use a crosswalk to report in CCFS-311.

How will folks be able to differentiate the amount of funding that comes from using one CIP code versus another?

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is designed to classify programs. California, and every other state also use CIP codes to label courses. The first step is to select the CIP code that accurately describes the program or course you are offering. Funding is tied to programs, and programs are tied to CIP codes. Any funding allocated to a program can be grouped, compared, or analyzed by the CIP code that program uses. Major education datasets, such as IPEDS and state-level reporting systems, organize program data by CIP code, making it possible to pull reports showing: 

• Total funding per CIP
• Total completions per CIP
• Enrollment by CIP
• Grants or categorical funds tied to specific CIP codes

Since each program has a CIP code, institutions can produce internal reports showing funding by CIP code.

Do our budget numbers have to change, and if so, when?

Our BAM account codes will change. We are currently working to align the 2024 BAM account codes to the first two-digit CIP discipline codes for state fiscal reporting. We hope to have a final version for stakeholder review by summer 2026.

In FUSION, how will the TOP codes align with CIP codes for spaces that are non-instructional like electrical rooms, telecom rooms, etc.?

In FUSION, these are written in the ‘Description’ cell.

Why is noncredit limited to such a few CIP codes? The noncredit CIP code option for Short-Term Vocational programs (32.0111) does not support the identification of discipline content. How can we track and analyze noncredit program areas?

All CIP codes are determined at the federal level and are specific to non-CTE, CTE, and noncredit programs. Noncredit Short-Term Vocational programs should report CIP 32.0111 (Workforce Development and Training) as the primary program CIP for MIS submission. Workforce Preparation programs should report CIP 32.0107.

Colleges may optionally provide a secondary reference CIP representing the related occupational or disciplinary area for purposes of local analysis, pathway alignment, and comparison with credit programs. This secondary CIP is not used for SAM assignment, Perkins eligibility, or statewide accountability – ONLY the primary noncredit CIP code is used for SAM. A new data field is being developed in COCI that will allow colleges to add the “Related Occupational CIP code”.

Are we expected to change noncredit CIP codes to fall between the 2-digit CIP of 32 to 37? 

Yes. All noncredit CIP codes should be in the noncredit range of 32-37. See the Noncredit TOP to CIP Map for recommendations. You may add a secondary reference CIP representing the related occupational or disciplinary area for purposes of local analysis, pathway alignment, and comparison with credit programs.

How can we identify the correct CIP code for Basic Skills?

Basic skills are considered noncredit in CIP. Codes that are appropriate for basic skills follow, which, by definition include: Developmental/Remedial Mathematics 32.0104; Job-Seeking/Changing Skills 32.0105; Career Exploration/Awareness Skills 32.0107; Developmental/Remedial English 32.0108; Second Language Learning 32.0109 (note: there is one CREDIT CIP code for Second Language Learning that can also be used: 16.1701); Basic Computer Skills 32.0110; Workforce Development and Training 32.0111 (note: this CIP code should be used for all Short-Term Vocational Programs); Accent Reduction/Modification 32.0112 (for focused instruction to reduce accents or correct pronunciation).

What noncredit CIP codes should be used for programs delivered by Adult Schools?

Adult Schools should use the same noncredit CIP codes as the Community Colleges use. The CIP is based on the program intent, not the institution.

What noncredit CIP codes should be used for Adult High School/Secondary Diplomas or equivalency programs?

Several CIP codes are appropriate for high school diploma or equivalency awards. These are all noncredit and are not reported to IPEDS: Regular/General High School/Secondary Diploma Program 53.0101; Vocational High School and Secondary Business/Vocational-Industrial/Occupational Diploma Program 53.0103; Adult High School/Secondary Diploma Program 53.0105; High School Equivalence Certificate Program 53.0201.

If we change a TOP code will we have to get a new Control Number?

During the period of uploading CIP codes into COCI between now and December 31, 2026, a new CIP code will not trigger a new Control Number. Programs that change to a new TOP in the existing discipline will not require a new Control Number. Changes in a TOP code for a program that changes discipline or for any course, however, will require a new Control Number. 

Is there a link for the TOP Code manual so we can refer to it?

Yes, here is the link for the the Taxonomy Programs Manual (pdf).