Business & Information Technology

Adult and Community Education

The FCPS ACE Business and Information Technology program offers a variety of accessible and affordable short-term class options. These classes are designed to enhance your knowledge for todays’ workplace. Choose from in person, instructor led or self-paced classes, whatever works for your schedule. In a competitive environment, ACE helps you get the edge.

Class Types

Instructor Lead Online Classes

These online classes have an instructor facilitate online classes with specific dates, time and schedule assignments as needed. These classes are live, not pre-recorded.  You will be able to actively participate in the session and obtain direct communication with the instructor, during and after each session.

You should enroll at least several business days before the scheduled start date of the class. Doing so will help ensure that you receive an email one to two days prior to the start of the class from the ACE Instructor’s FCPS email address with information on how to login and get started. Please note that you will need regular access to a computer with a webcam, microphone, and internet connection for these types of classes.

Online Anytime

There are a couple of different types of Online Anytime classes structures offered. 

Instructor-guided online Classes

In an Instructor-guided online class, there is a defined monthly start date. Because of this, you have some enrollment flexibility with these classes. Lessons are released Biweekly. When you are enrolled in the class, work is based on your schedule once the lesson is released. You and the instructor will interact using an online class discussion board. These classes are typically six-week long with an additional two weeks to prepare for the final exam. Please note that you will need regular access to a computer with speakers and internet connection for these types of classes

Self-Paced Online Classes

In a self-paced online class, there are no defined dates and times for each session. You will know if it is a self-paced class because it will have the phrase “Self-Paced” in the description. For self-paced classes, you will get an email within a few business days of registration with the access code for the class. Because it is self-paced, you can access the course when it is convenient for you. (even midnight if you cannot sleep!) You will have a limited number of weeks or months to complete the class. You should check your receipt for details on how long you will have access to the course using the code provided. Please note that you will need regular access to a computer with speakers and internet connection for these types of classes.

Face to Face Classes

In-person classes are held at specific locations throughout Fairfax County, primarily within a Fairfax County Public School High School or Center. These classes are typically held evenings and weekends all twelve months of the year. An exception to the evening and weekend schedule is class options held at Pimmit Hills Center and the Plum Center. Additionally, some weekday sessions may be held at Fairfax County Public School High Schools during the summer months.

Course Areas

We offer an extensive list of courses in the following areas:

  • Accounting and Bookkeeping
  • Business Finance 
  • Broadcast Production
  • Certification Prep classes
  • Communications
  • Computer Basics
  • Computer Support Technician
  • Entrepreneurship/Small Business
  • Human Resources Management
  • Leadership and Management
  • Marketing
  • Nonprofit
  • Office Assistant
  • Office Productivity
  • Programming
  • Real Estate
  • Web Design and Development

Certificate Programs

Our Certificate Programs focus on the right skill sets for your career path. You can also use Certificate Programs to explore a potential new career. Program certificates can be completed in one year or less, although students have up to three years to complete the requirements. Online self-paced class options are available to help students accelerate completion.

The Certificate Programs are structured to provide multiple classes in a single area of study. Each has a non-refundable fee of less than $100 to set students up in the program, then students register and pay for the individual classes. At the end of successfully completing all the required classes, students will receive their certification. No previous academic requirements needed, the programs can typically be completed in 1-2 years, our class times are flexible, and our classes are small to provide for quality instruction time.

Our Programs include:

  • Accounting Assistant
  • Bookkeeping Assistant 
  • Child Care Provider
  • Computer Support Technician
  • Human Resource Management
  • Microsoft Office Specialist
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Office Assistant
  • Professional Admin Assistant
  • Small Business Management
  • Web Designer
  • And other self-pace professional certification prep coursesCAE

ACE is pleased to announce that we have Business and IT classes that are CAE certified through the American Society of Association Executives.  Look for this logo when reviewing one of our selected classes.