Admissions and Records
Course Progression
Students are expected to take courses on an accepted progressive basis. Students will not receive credit for courses considered lower in degree of advancement than those already completed.
📈 Move Forward, Not Back
Once you complete a higher-level course, you cannot earn credit for a lower-level course in the same sequence taken afterward.
🏫 Transfer Coursework Counts
This policy applies to coursework completed at other accredited institutions, not only courses taken at Fullerton College.
❓ Unusual Circumstances?
If a lower-level course is required for a specific program or certificate, contact A&R or speak with a counselor before enrolling.
Course Numbering at Fullerton College
Fullerton College's course numbering system reflects the level of advancement of each course. Understanding this system clarifies what is considered "lower" or "higher" for progression purposes.
Remedial, occupational, and technical courses. Not designed for transfer to four-year colleges or universities.
College-level courses parallel to baccalaureate-level work. Offered for transfer to colleges and universities.
Unique courses with no direct lower-division equivalent at CSU or UC. Typically carry baccalaureate-level rigor and content.
Note: The transfer institution determines the extent to which a course satisfies requirements of a specific degree program. Students planning to transfer should consult a counselor for guidance on which courses are transferable.
Common Course Numbering (CCN)
What is Common Course Numbering?
As of Fall 2025, many high-volume transfer courses at Fullerton College have been assigned standardized numbers with a "C" designation — for example, ENGL C1000. This statewide system makes it easier to identify equivalent courses across all California Community Colleges and simplifies transfer to UC and CSU campuses.
Course progression rules apply equally to CCN courses. Completing a CCN course at any California Community College counts toward your progression record at Fullerton College. Learn more about Common Course Numbering at NOCCCD →