Introducing #FAQ50, a series of posts where we’ll answer the most popular questions about CS50.

Q: How can I enroll in CS50x?
A: All CS50 lectures are available for free on youtube.com/cs50 under “Courses.” If you’d like to do the course’s programming assignments (aka problem sets), you can enroll (for free) at cs50.edX.org.

Q: Will my CS50x progress carry over from one year to the next?
A: Yes. Any work completed this calendar year in CS50x will be carried forward to next year. For example, work from 2024 will carry into 2025. However, work from 2023 will not carry into 2025.

#FAQ50

Q: What’s the difference between CS50 Certificates and edX’s Verified Certificates?
A: An edX verified certificate “can provide proof for an employer, school, or other institution that you have successfully completed an online course.” A CS50 Certificate is a free certificate from CS50 itself.

#FAQ50

Q: What’s the difference between CS50x’s “less comfortable” and “more comfortable” problems?
A: Some problem sets (i.e., programming assignments) offer problems for students less comfortable with computing and problems for students more comfortable with computing. Each week, you are welcome to do either or both!

#FAQ50

Q: What’s the story behind the CS50 cat avatar?
A: When CS50 first signed up for its social accounts years ago, we needed an avatar, so we decided to use the then-famous Happy Cat! 😸

#FAQ50

Q: Where can I find the gradebook for CS50x?
A: CS50x uses our own gradebook at cs50.me/cs50x. If you’ve never visited that link before, you’ll need to click the link to “enroll,” which really just enables your gradebook access! An edX account is required.

#FAQ50

Q: GitHub has disabled my account. What should I do?
A: Best to visit cs50.ly/github in incognito mode (i.e., private mode, so that you're logged out) and contact GitHub directly!

#FAQ50

Q: Will my real name or username appear on my certificate?
A: For CS50 Certificates, we will ask you what name you wish to appear. For edX’s Verified Certificates, the name associated with your edX account will appear on your verified certificate.

#FAQ50