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Articulation Numbering Systems: CAN and TCSU

The California Articulation Number (CAN) System is a statewide numbering system independent from course numbers assigned by local colleges. A CAN number signals that participating California colleges and universities have determined that courses offered by other campuses are equivalent in content and scope to courses offered on their own campuses, regardless of their unique titles or local identifying numbers.

Thus, if a schedule of classes or catalog lists a course bearing a CAN number, students on one campus can be assured that it will be accepted in lieu of the comparable CAN course noted in the catalog or schedule of classes of another campus. For example, CAN ECON 2 on one campus will be accepted as meeting the requirement of the designated CAN ECON 2 course on other participating community college or university campuses.

The CAN numbering system, however, is being phased out and replaced by the CSU's Lower Division Transfer Pattern (LDTP) numbering system (TCSU). Ohlone courses with a CAN number will have that articulation honored by the CSUs until the CAN course is replaced by a TCSU course. As that happens, courses will have new designations; for example, CAN ECON 2 may eventually become TCSU ECON 110. Students should always check with a counselor to determine how CAN or TCSU courses fit into their transfer plans.