Fairfax City residents and employees of Fairfax City businesses can now enhance their career opportunities at no cost through Upskill Fairfax City, a new tuition assistance program from Fairfax City Economic Development and Northern Virginia Community College. This initiative covers the FastForward tuition for select, high-demand FastForward programs for eligible participants.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or enter a new field, Upskill Fairfax City makes it more accessible, attainable, and affordable. Explore the covered certification programs, apply for assistance, and take your next career step today.
Explore Program Options
FastForward programs are short-term training programs that prepare you for industry credentials in high-demand professions. Upon completion of the program, you are expected to seek the relevant credential or licensure.
Important: Please read the class description, prerequisites, and expectations carefully. You must meet any prerequisites before enrolling. Failure to complete the course will result in the participant's financial obligation to pay one-third of the total tuition cost.
AWS Cloud Practitioner
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CompTIA® Cloud+
CompTIA® A+
CompTIA® Data+
CompTIA® Linux+
CompTIA® Network+
CompTIA® Security+
CompTIA® TECH+ (previously IT Fundamentals)
IT Specialist: Python
Note: Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA) is not covered by Upskill Fairfax City tuition assistance.
Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Medication Aide (RMA)
Nurse Aide Preparation (CNA)
Phlebotomy Technician (CPT
Note: Massage Therapy is not covered by Upskill Fairfax City tuition assistance.
Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A)
EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (HVAC)
Fiber Optics Installer (FOI)
Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP)
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
Get Started
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You must meet the following criteria:
A Fairfax City resident or an employee of a Fairfax City business
All participants will be asked to provide verification of residency or employment in Fairfax City. You must reside or work within the city limits of Fairfax City to be eligible for this funding.
A Virginia resident for the past 12 months.
All participants must meet the Virginia domicile requirements to qualify for FastForward tuition. Virginia "domicile" means you have lived in Virginia and intended to stay here indefinitely for at least one year before the date of application.
Some programs may require High School/GED completion or equivalent.
To apply for Upskill Fairfax City Tuition Assistance, please confirm your eligibility by completing the form below.
Step 2: Connect with a NOVA advisor
After you submit the eligibility form, a NOVA advisor will contact you with information on how to apply and register for your selected program.
Upskill Fairfax City funds will be considered as a last-dollar grant for eligible students after all other financial assistance is applied. Participants may be evaluated for other state funding sources before receiving Upskill Fairfax City funds. This tuition assistance does not cover parking costs or any class material not included in the tuition.
