Challenger 350
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors
Approximately 20 miles southeast of the airport we were with approach on radar vectors. Approach cleared us from 13000 feet to 12000 feet and handed us off to Center. When we checked in with Center we reported 13000 feet descending to 12000 feet. Oakland told us to return to 13000 feet (we were at 12500 feet). We returned to 13000 feet. Center informed us that they had different altitude restriction than Approach. No issues with traffic or terrain were noted.NorCal and Oakland should have same altitude restraints along airspace boundaries/handoffs.
A Challenger 350 pilot reported Approach handed him off to Center with an incorrect descent clearance.