Education Code Sections 66725-66725.5 [via Assembly Bill No. 1111 (Berman)] require implementation of a student-facing common course numbering (CCN) system across the California Community Colleges on or before July 1, 2027. The CCN system assigns the same course number to comparable courses across all California community colleges in order to “streamline transfer from two- to four-year postsecondary educational institutions and reduce excess credit accumulation.” The CCN system establishes a structure that maximizes credit mobility for all students, strengthening equitable transfer and student success. More specifically, it supports students in areas such as building cohesive academic plans, understanding how required courses transfer and apply to completion, and making informed course selections that support degree completion. This effort requires the coordinated engagement of many stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, staff and system officials.

Common Course Numbering Council

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Chancellor's Office) formed the Common Course Numbering Task Force (CCN Task Force) to make recommendations for a systemwide plan. Background information and more details are provided in the ESLEI 24-22 Memo: Common Course Numbering Update. The CCN Task Force proposed a CCN Council and Steering Committee to lead CCN efforts across California's systems of higher education. The council, guided by the Steering Committee, informs strategic direction and goals; identifies policy barriers; and creates workgroups as needed in areas like development, transfer, and technology processes as common course numbering is integrated. In the past year and a half, the CCN Council has made significant progress, creating phased implementation plans; finalizing common course numbering templates, and aligning statewide learning outcomes. In fall 2025, the council finalized a sustainability plan to carry the work forward to 2027 and beyond.

Timeline

CCN Milestones Proposed Timeline for 2023-2027+ (CCN timeline extension was requested in early 2024 and approved by the state Legislature in Sept. 2024.) 

2023  2024 2025  2026 2027  2027+

Task Force Report completed

CCN Council and Work Group Rosters Under Design

Strategic and Operational Plans aligned

All Vendors - Resources Fully Operational

CCN Council and Work Groups Fully Operational

CCN Descriptor Phase I CCN Course Development Completed

Intersegmental Collaboration aligned with Phase II Development

Communication Strategies Engaging Stakeholders

Phase II Descriptor Implementation in Progress

Technology Solutions Designed

Data Reconciliation Completed

CCN Budget Established

CCN Council Assessment of Progress and Impact

Student enrollment in CCN-aligned Phase I courses

Phases II-III Descriptor-Course Implementation in Progress

CCN Repository Completed and Implementation at Local Level In-Progress

Course Submission and Verification Tools Completed

Sustainable Operations Model and Timeline Developed

Council Assessment of Progress and Impact

Phase II(A) Courses Enrollment Ready

Phase III Descriptor-Course Implementation in Progress

Refinement of Technology Solutions

Intersegmental Decision Making Body Policy Work Completed

Council Assessment of Progress and Impact

Phase II(B) Courses Enrollment Ready

Phase III Courses Enrollment Ready

Council Assessment of Progress, Impact and Future Organization

Transition to CCN Courses Continuous Improvement and Sustainability Plan

Last updated: Jan. 20, 2026