Common Course Numbering Crosswalk
Download the CCN Numbering and FAQ document (pdf)
Common Course Numbering (CCN) is a way to more easily identify the same course at different community and technical colleges in Washington.
How CCN affects you: Even if you don't intend to transfer to another college, CCN likely will affect you. A course you took last fall may have a new number and title. It may have a number identical to a course you have taken previously. That's why it's important to check the Course Numbering Crosswalk to see whether there has been a change to the courses you plan to take.
The following Crosswalk is provided to assist you in identifying classes you have taken by their new CCN course number and title. If you are uncertain, consult your faculty advisor or advising center staff. They are here to answer your questions during this transitional time.
Course Equivalency Guide
To see a list of course and course number changes download the CCN Numbering and FAQ document (pdf).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common Course Numbering between community and technical colleges?
Washington State created the Common Course Numbering (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 Pierce prior to Summer 2008 because hundreds of course numbers, department names and/or 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 Pierce.
I am a new student who has never taken classes at Pierce; do I need to use the course change list and continue reading?
Only if you have previously taken classes at another Washington State community or technical college OR you are viewing any Pierce printed materials, such as curriculum sheets, catalog or degree info that may be dated prior to Summer 2008.
I am a continuing or former student who has taken classes at Pierce; do I need to use the Pierce CCN Crosswalk to check to make sure I don’t accidentally repeat the same course?
YES
What does this mean to me when choosing coursework for my degree or certificate?
If you have taken any Pierce classes before Summer Quarter 2008, it is very important for you to check the Pierce CCN Crosswalk to ensure you do not accidentally take the same course twice as a result of new course number or title changes. Courses that are repeated cannot be counted twice for a degree or certificate.
Example: In 2006 you took LAW 205, American Legal Systems. LAW 205 has now changed to POLS& 200, Intro to Law. If you take POLS& 200 in summer 2008, you have repeated the class and both classes cannot be used towards graduation.
How will I know when a course is part of the common course group?
Courses identified as "common" between community and technical colleges are denoted with an ampersand (&) next to the department and course number.
Example: MATH& 141.
Does this affect how classes transfer to a university?
No. Common course numbers, departments and titles were changed to simplify transferring between community and technical colleges. Courses that have traditionally transferred to four-year colleges and universities will still transfer.
What about courses that are not part of the Common Course Numbering system? Do they still transfer?
Yes. Courses that were transferable prior to common course numbering continue to be transferable under the Direct Transfer Agreement between community and technical colleges and universities. It is recommended you check with the receiving institution, as the transferability of individual courses is the sole prerogative of the receiving school.
So I only have to check the Pierce College CCN Crosswalk when I see a course department and number showing the "&" sign?
NO. As a result of the common course numbering system, Pierce had to renumber other classes that collided with the new state-wide numbering system. The changes in department designators have also caused additional course changes.
Example: ENGL 102 had to change to ENGL 107. Neither is common (&) but renumbering was necessary.
How will I know if a course number and/or title have changed?
Pierce has created a master list of all courses that have changed - it's called the Pierce College CCN Crosswalk. AA degree sheets and professional/technical curriculum will all be revised to match the new information listed in the bulletins/catalog. We anticipate having our paper trail and online documents converted by the end of summer 2008. For now, use the CCN Crosswalk for current information.
What if my transcript shows the same course number for different classes due to the common course numbering change? Will evaluators and four-year colleges and universities know about the CCN changes?
YES. All student transcripts will be automatically noted with a statement that alerts others about the Washington State common course numbering change.
Where can I get help or ask more questions?
If you have questions or need assistance with common course numbering issues, please contact the Advising Centers at your college or your faculty advisor.
How does CCN affect online registration?
You will need to add the "&" sign to your course selection as they are listed in the schedules.
Example: MATH& 107.
