# CCN

> A CCN (Contemplated Change Notice) asks the contractor to price a possible change. How the process works and how it differs from a change order or directive.

- URL: https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/ccn/
- Author: Kyle Parry (https://essential.construction/about-us/kyle-parry/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleparry/) - Kyle Parry is the founder of Essential Construction. He has worked in construction for more than 20 years, leading projects across Canada for the country's largest contractors and developers.
- Publisher: Essential Construction (https://essential.construction/)
- Last updated: 2026-11-03

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A **CCN (Contemplated Change Notice)** is a formal contract document issued by the consultant, architect or owner asking the contractor to price a potential change to the work. The contractor returns a quote, and if the owner accepts it the CCN becomes a change order; it does not authorize the work on its own.

CCN is mostly Canadian usage. The same step is called a proposed change notice (PCN), change request or request for pricing elsewhere, and a proposal request in AIA contracts (AIA G709). In general project management, CCN can also mean a change control note.

## How the CCN process works

1. The consultant issues a numbered CCN describing the change, with sketches or revised drawings and a date for the response.
2. The contractor gets subcontractor and supplier quotes, prices labour, material and equipment, adds the markups allowed by the contract, and states any schedule impact.
3. The consultant reviews and negotiates the quote.
4. If the owner accepts, a **change order** is issued and signed, adjusting the contract price and time.
5. If the work can't wait for agreement, the owner can issue a **change directive** to proceed, with the price settled later.

## CCN vs change order vs change directive

| Document | Purpose | Authorizes work? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CCN | Request to price a possible change | No |
| [Change order](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/change-order/) | Agreed change to scope, price and time | Yes |
| [Change directive](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/change-directive/) | Instruction to proceed before price is agreed | Yes |
| [Site instruction](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/site-instruction/) | Clarification with no change in price or time | Yes, if no cost impact |

## Tips for contractors

- Log every CCN with its number, date, value and status.
- Respond by the due date and state how long your price is valid.
- Don't start CCN work without a signed change order or directive.

## Related terms

- [Change Order (CO)](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/change-order/)
- [Change Directive (CD)](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/change-directive/)
- [Site Instruction (SI)](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/site-instruction/)
- [Contingency](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/contingency/)

## Related templates and guides

- [Your Guide to Submitting a Construction Change Request](https://essential.construction/academy/tutorials/your-guide-to-submitting-a-construction-change-request/)
- [Change Order Template](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/change-order-template/)
- [Change Order Log](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/change-order-log/)
- [Request for Pricing (RFP)](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/estimating/request-for-pricing-rfp/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What does CCN stand for in construction?

CCN stands for Contemplated Change Notice: a request from the consultant or owner for the contractor to price a possible change. It is common on Canadian projects. Some firms use Construction Change Notice for the same document.

### Does a CCN authorize the contractor to do the work?

No. A CCN only asks for a price. The work is authorized when a change order is signed, or when the owner issues a change directive telling the contractor to proceed before the price is agreed.

### What is the difference between a CCN and a change order?

A CCN is the question: what would this change cost and how long would it take? A change order is the answer once it is accepted: a signed document that changes the contract scope, price and time.