Common Course Numbering (CCN) makes commonly shared courses among Washington state community and technical colleges have the same course number and title. Beginning winter quarter 2009, more than 500 CBC courses were given new numbers, prefixes, and/or titles because of CCN. Previous course numbers, prefixes, and/or titles are still applicable, and their transferability were not affected.
View course change list
Who should read this?
Students who have taken classes at CBC prior to winter quarter 2009, as Common Course Numbering (CCN) may impact how you choose your future coursework. For personal assistance, contact the Counseling/Advising Center at 509-542-5505.
- What is Common Course Numbering between community and technical colleges?
Washington state created the CCN system, which has renumbered and renamed courses that are commonly shared among Washington community and technical colleges.
- Why is this information important to me?
It is important to you if you have taken courses at CBC prior to winter quarter 2009 because more than 500 course numbers and titles have changed and you do not want to accidentally repeat the same course. Remember: be careful when picking classes if you have previously taken courses at CBC.
- I am a new student who has never taken classes at CBC. Do I need to use the course change list and continue reading?
Only if you have previously taken classes at another Washington state community and technical college.
- I am a continuing student who has taken classes at CBC. Do I need to use the course change list to check to make sure I don't accidentally repeat the same course and continue reading this information?
Yes!
- What does this mean to me as a student when choosing coursework for my degree or certificate?
If you have taken any CBC classes before winter 2009, it is very important for you to check the list of course changes to ensure you do not accidentally take the same course twice as a result of the new course number/title changes.
- How will I know when a course is part of the common course group?
The courses identified as common between community and technical colleges are denoted with an "&" behind the course prefix (for example, SPE 111 is now CMST& 210). CBC has created a course change list to help identify changed course numbers.
- So I only have to check the course change list when I see a course number showing the "&" sign?
No, as a result of the common course numbering system, CBC had to change some other course numbers and titles that are NOT common among the state community and technical colleges. However, all CBC courses with changed course numbers and/or titles are clearly identified throughout the College catalog. Please read course descriptions carefully before registering!
- How will I know if a course number and/or title has changed?
CBC has created a master list of all courses that have changed. In addition, the degree and certificate planning sheets have the "&" symbol to alert you that the course has undergone a change. The "&" symbol is a common course identifier recognized by all Washington state community and technical colleges.
- What about courses that are not on the course change list? Do they still transfer?
Many courses not on the course change list continue to be considered transferable coursework under the Direct Transfer Agreement between community and technical colleges and four-year schools.
Note: Unchanged CBC courses that were transferable prior to common course numbering continue to be transferable as always. In addition, courses that were not transferable before the change still are not. It is recommended that you check with the receiving institution as the transferability of individual courses is the sole prerogative of the receiving school.
- How will this be reflected on my CBC transcript?
All classes taken prior to winter quarter 2009 will remain the same. Classes taken thereafter will use the new course number and/or title. You will see a message on your transcript to denote the beginning of the Common Course Numbering program as of winter quarter 2009.
- Where can I get help or ask more questions?
If you have any questions or would like some assistance, please contact the Counseling/Advising Center at 509-542-5505.
- Is the CCN list available online?
Yes, the master list is posted here. You can also visit the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges' site for more information.
- Does Common Course Numbering affect how I register online?
The online registration system will not recognize an item number for a new CCN course as a course you have already taken under the former prefix, title, and/or number. You must cross-reference CCN courses against the course change list.