Common Course Numbering (CNN) Implementation

AB 1111 requires all California community colleges to implement a uniform course numbering system. This means that courses with identical and similar content will share the same course number and title across the 115 community colleges in the state. The purpose is to streamline course selection, making it easier for students to recognize equivalent courses at different colleges and complete their academic goals successfully. 

For example, below is an Introduction to Psychology course that is being offered at Irvine Valley College and two other community colleges. With implementation of the CCN, the three colleges will have the same course prefix and course number. 

• Simplified Course Matching: It will be easier to recognize courses that are equivalent when attending different California community colleges.
• Clearer Pathways: Choosing the right courses for your degree or certificate program will become more straightforward.
• Better Consistency: A uniform numbering system reduces confusion caused by varying course numbering across colleges.

Initially, the bill required implementation by July 1, 2024. However, a subsequent bill, AB 3290, extended the deadline to July 1, 2027. 

The implementation will occur in three phases:

• Phase 1: Implementation date of Fall 2025.
• Phase 2: Implementation date of Fall 2026.
• Phase 3: Implementation date of Fall 2027.

• Course numbers at Irvine Valley College (IVC) and other community colleges will be updated to match the new system.
• The updates primarily involved changes to course prefixes, numbers, and titles, while the content and quality of the courses remained the same.
• Some associate degree and certificate listings in the catalog may still reflect outdated course numbering. We are currently in the process of updating them to align with the new system.

The courses are general education courses that are listed on the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern which meet the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) general education requirements. 

Note: These courses also fulfill CSU GE and IGETC requirements for students following those patterns and maintaining catalog rights. 

Phase 1 Courses: Implementation Fall 2025

Phase 2 and Phase 3 courses are still pending.

The courses in all phases are primarily aligned with the CSU and UC general education pattern, known as Cal-GETC. This allows transfer students to use these courses to meet general education requirements once they are approved or re-approved. Efforts are also underway with CSU and UC partnersto ensure these courses are accepted for specific major requirements where applicable. To review approved courses for general education and major requirements, visit www.assist.org.

• Stay informed by checking your college email and official announcements regularly. 

• Continue focusing on your current coursework and educational goals. 

• Reach out to your academic counselor if you have questions about how this may impact your education plan. The Counseling Center is located in the Student Services Building, Room 210. For assistance, call (949) 451-5319.

Contact Tiffany Tran, Articulation Officer/Counseling Faculty, via email or call 949-451-5324.