Career and Technical Education in Fairfax County Public Schools is composed of six program areas: Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. Below are brief descriptions of the six program areas:

Business and Information Technology allows students to gain knowledge and skills through classroom, laboratory, and internship experiences in the following areas: computer information systems, multimedia desktop presentations, computer maintenance and repair, business computer programming, accounting, business law, business management, management information systems, and network administration.

Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on the development of management skills needed throughout life. The relationship between work and family is the unique focus of this program that includes childcare services and education; food science, preparation, and service; family and human services; fashion design and production; consumer services; and interior design and culinary arts.

Health and Medical Sciences provides courses in animal science, dental careers, medical health technologies, and practical nursing. In addition to career guidance and awareness, the practical nursing program prepares graduates for state licensing and employment.

Marketing provides courses leading to various marketing career choices. Specialized training includes career preparation in such areas as advertising, entrepreneurship, fashion marketing, hospitality management, mall marketing, and sales promotion.

Technology Education includes courses in the areas of electronics, architectural and engineering drawing, pre-engineering, and design and technology. The courses prepare students for more effective living in a growing industrial and highly technological society. The laboratory ‘hands-on’ approach in industrial technology provides experiences for students to assist them in discovering and developing aptitudes and interests in technology.

Trade and Industrial Education provides preparation for entry into skilled trades and service occupations that involve designing, producing, processing, assembling, maintaining, servicing, or repairing any product or commodity. Specialized training includes job shadowing, internships, and on-the-job training in air conditioning and refrigeration, auto body, auto technology, carpentry, construction, cosmetology, electrical construction and engineering, graphic communications, law enforcement, photography, and television production.