SOLIDWORKS CERTIFICATIONS
The official SOLIDWORKS Certifications program allows users to earn various levels of certifications across a range of topics and products.
The official SOLIDWORKS Certifications program allows users to earn various levels of certifications across a range of topics and products. Certifications are categorized into three increasing skill levels, Associate, Professional, Expert, allowing the full range of students and professionals to get involved. Companies and users can test practical skill and knowledge for hiring, advancement, and personal growth and pride.
Exams are taken online through a testing client and can include multiple choice questions as well as hands-on challenges. Because the exams cover a wide range of material and are timed, the user must be both knowledgeable and proficient at the tool to be successful. Below you can find a list of the most popular certifications including a breakdown of the topics it covers and our recommended approach to preparing efficiently.
CERTIFICATION TYPES
CSWA: Associate
Additive Manufacturing (CSWA–Additive Manufacturing)
About: A Certified Additive Manufacturing Associate is someone who possesses the basic knowledge of today’s 3D printing market.
Exam Length: 50 questions in 60 minutes
Minimum Passing Grade: 80%
Recommended Training Courses: The CSWA-AM exam is meant to be taken after the completion of the 10-part learning path training found on MySOLIDWORKS.com. The learning content is free, but the creation of a free MySOLIDWORKS account is needed in order to access the content.
While the CSWA-AM exam does not require the use of SOLIDWORKS software to complete, some basic knowledge of 3D Printing features found in SOLIDWORKS will be part of the exam. These functions will also be included in the learning path on MySOLIDWORKS, so those without SOLIDWORKS are encouraged to study the videos in the MySOLIDWORKS course.
Electrical (CSWA-Electrical)
About: Employers can be confident that an individual with this certification understands the basic principles of SOLIDWORKS Electrical tools and functionality.
All candidates receive electronic certificates and a personal listing on the CSWA directory when they pass. To show up in the directory, this option must be set in your online certification account.
Exam features hands-on challenges in many of these areas of SOLIDWORKS Electrical functionality:
• Electrical Theory
• SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematics
• SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D
• Electrical Design
• Installation
Note: The interactive use of SOLIDWORKS is not necessary for this exam since this is not a hands-on test. But you must be familiar with the principles of SOLIDWORKS Electrical from at least SOLIDWORKS 2015 for this exam.
Exam Length: 60 minutes
Minimum Passing Grade: 70%
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS – Electrical Schematic
• SOLIDWORKS Electrical – 3D
Mechanical Design (CSWA–Mechanical Design)
About: The CSWA certification is proof of your SOLIDWORKS® expertise with cutting-edge skills that businesses seek out and reward. All candidates receive electronic certificates and personal listing on the CSWA directory* when they pass.
Exam may feature hands-on challenges in some of these areas:
• Sketch entities – lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, ellipses, centerlines
• Sketch tools – offset, convert, trim
• Sketch relations
• Boss and cut features – extrudes, revolves, sweeps, lofts
• Fillets and chamfers
• Linear, circular, and fill patterns
• Dimensions
• Feature conditions – start and end
• Mass properties
• Materials
• Inserting components
• Standard mates – coincident, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, concentric, distance, angle
• Reference geometry – planes, axis, mate references
• Drawing views
• Annotations
Note: You must use at least SOLIDWORKS 2011 for this exam. Any use of a previous version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files.
Exam Length: 3 hours
Minimum Passing Grade: 70%
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS Essentials
• SOLIDWORKS Tutorials
Simulation (CSWA-Simulation)
About: All candidates receive electronic certificates and personal listing on the CSWA directory* when they pass.
The questions consist of 3 hands-on problems, single answer, multiple-choice, yes/no and multiple selections for a total of 100 points. Point allocation ranges from 3 points to 20 points per question, depending on the difficulty.
Qualified schools that are CSWA Providers may apply to become CSWA-Simulation Providers. A minimum network license on subscription applies.
Anyone can take this exam including students and commercial SOLIDWORKS users. The intended audience to take and pass the CSWA-Simulation exam is anyone with a minimum of 6 – 9 months of SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Simulation experience and knowledge in the following areas:
• Basic View Creation
• Engineering Mechanics – Statics
• Strength of Materials
• Finite Element Method / Finite Element Analysis Theory
• Applied concepts in SOLIDWORKS Simulation:
| ⚬ Top-level |
| ⚬ Defining Static Analysis Study |
| ⚬ Applying Materials |
| ⚬ Working with Solid and Sheet Metal models |
| ⚬ Defining Solid, Shell, and Beam elements |
| ⚬ Applying and modifying Connections, Contact Set, and Contact Type |
| ⚬ Defining Standard and Advanced Fixtures and External loads |
| ⚬ Knowledge setting and modifying of SI/English units |
| ⚬ Defining Local and Global coordinate systems |
| ⚬ Understanding the axial forces, sheer forces, bending moments, a factor of safety |
| ⚬ Defining Connector properties such as Contact Sets, No Penetration, Bonded |
| ⚬ Setting up and modifying plots to display in the Results folder |
| ⚬ Working with Multibody parts as different solid bodies |
| ⚬ Creating different mesh types, quality, and parameters for parts and assemblies |
| ⚬ Selecting different solvers as directed to optimize problems |
| ⚬ Determining if results are valid and make sense |
| ⚬ Understanding the types of problems SOLIDWORKS Simulation can solve |
| ⚬ Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation Help |
Note: You must use at least SOLIDWORKS Premium 2012 or SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2012 or SOLIDWORKS Student Edition 2012 for this exam. Any use of a previous or lower version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files or access some of the needed functionality.
Exam Length: 2 hours
Minimum Passing Grade: 70% (70 points out of 100 points total)
CSWP: PROFESSIONAL
Mechanical Design (CSWP-Mechanical Design)
About: All candidates receive electronic certificates, business card logos and personal listing on CSWE directory* when they pass. To show up in the directory, this option must be set in your online certification account.
The current release of the CSWP Exam has been broken down into three separate segments. This new system means you no longer have to set aside a block of time to take the entire exam in one sitting. The segmented exam allows you to take each segment at any time, and in any order, and if you choose you can take all three in a row. Once you pass a segment, you will not have to take it again. If you fail a segment, you will be able to purchase just that segment and take it again. Once all three segments have been successfully completed, you will automatically receive your CSWP Certification.
Exam may feature hands-on challenges in some of these areas:
Segment 1: (70 Minutes – 75 points to pass/105 points maximum)
• Creating a part from a drawing
• Using linked dimensions and equations to aid in modeling
• Using equations to relate dimensions
• Updating parameters and dimension sizes
• Mass property analysis
• Modifying geometry on initial part to create a more complex part
• Modifying parameters on the part at different stages while maintaining all other dimensions and design intent
Segment 2: (50 Minutes – 77 points to pass/109 points maximum)
• Creating configurations from other configurations
• Changing configurations
• Creation of configurations using a Design Table
• Mass properties
• Changing and/or rearranging features of an existing SOLIDWORKS part
Segment 3: (80 Minutes – 77 points to pass/109 points maximum)
• Creating an assembly
• Adding parts to an assembly
• Doing collision detection when moving a part in an assembly
• Interference detection
• Basic and advanced mates
• Inserting subassemblies
• Replacing a part with another part in an assembly
• Creating a coordinate system
• Using a coordinate system to perform mass properties analysis
Exam Length: 3 hours and 20 minutes (all sections)
Minimum Passing Grade: See sections above
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS Essentials
• SOLIDWORKS Drawings
• SOLIDWORKS Advanced Part Modeling
• SOLIDWORKS Advanced Assembly Modeling
Notes: SOLIDWORKS 2015 or later is required to take the exam. Any use of a previous version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files.
Login required for access. Full access requires an active Subscription Service contract.
Model Based Design (CSWP-MBD)
About: All candidates receive electronic certificates, business card logos and personal listing on CSWE directory* when they pass. To show up in the directory, this option must be set in your online certification account.
The current release of the CSWP Exam has been broken down into three separate segments. This new system means you no longer have to set aside a block of time to take the entire exam in one sitting. The segmented exam allows you to take each segment at any time, and in any order, and if you choose you can take all three in a row. Once you pass a segment, you will not have to take it again. If you fail a segment, you will be able to purchase just that segment and take it again. Once all three segments have been successfully completed, you will automatically receive your CSWP Certification.
Exam may feature hands-on challenges in some of these areas:
Segment 1: (70 Minutes – 75 points to pass/105 points maximum)
• Creating a part from a drawing
• Using linked dimensions and equations to aid in modeling
• Using equations to relate dimensions
• Updating parameters and dimension sizes
• Mass property analysis
• Modifying geometry on initial part to create a more complex part
• Modifying parameters on the part at different stages while maintaining all other dimensions and design intent
Segment 2: (50 Minutes – 77 points to pass/109 points maximum)
• Creating configurations from other configurations
• Changing configurations
• Creation of configurations using a Design Table
• Mass properties
• Changing and/or rearranging features of an existing SOLIDWORKS part
Segment 3: (80 Minutes – 77 points to pass/109 points maximum)
• Creating an assembly
• Adding parts to an assembly
• Doing collision detection when moving a part in an assembly
• Interference detection
• Basic and advanced mates
• Inserting subassemblies
• Replacing a part with another part in an assembly
• Creating a coordinate system
• Using a coordinate system to perform mass properties analysis
Exam Length: 90 minutes
Minimum Passing Grade: 75%
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS MBD
Notes: SOLIDWORKS 2016 or later is required to take the exam. Any use of a previous version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files.
Login required for access. Full access requires an active Subscription Service contract.
CAM (CSWP-CAM)
About: All candidates receive electronic certificates and a personal listing on the CSWP directory* when they pass.
Exam features hands-on challenges in many of these areas based on SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard functionality:
• Technology Database
• Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)
• Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR)
• Define Machine
• Define Stock
• Define Coordinate System
• Define Machinable Features
• Simulate Toolpaths
• Post Process Toolpaths
• Extract Machinable Features
• Generate Operation Plan
• Generate Toolpaths and NC Code
• Modify Tools
• Machining Parameters
• Design Changes
• Create avoid and contain areas
• Save Operation Plan
• Operation Modification
• Interactive 2.5 Axis Mill Operations
• Engraving
• Corner Round and Chamfer Machining
• Machine using Waterjet, Plasma or Laser
• Machining Operations:
| ⚬ Rough Milling |
| ⚬ Finish (Contour) Milling |
| ⚬ Face Milling |
| ⚬ Drilling |
| ⚬ Center Drilling |
| ⚬ Counterbore |
| ⚬ Countersink |
| ⚬ Multi-step Hole |
| ⚬ Tap |
| ⚬ Ream |
Exam Length: 180 minutes
Minimum Passing Grade: 75%
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS CAM
Notes: You must use at least SOLIDWORKS 2018 for this exam. Any use of a previous version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files. The functionality needed for this exam is found in SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard.
Simulation (CSWP-Simulation)
About: Candidates who successfully pass this certification exam have demonstrated the ability to set up, run, and examine the results of various types of Simulation scenarios. They also have demonstrated the ability to interpret the various results available to them in SOLIDWORKS Simulation and an understanding of the basics of simulation and FEA.
All candidates receive electronic certificates, business card logos and personal listing on CSWP directory* when they pass. To show up in the directory, this option must be set in your online certification account.
Exam features 3 categories of questions:
• Multiple choice questions about general topics in simulation and FEA, and SOLIDWORKS Simulation
• Manual calculations of loads and stresses in simple cases
• Several hands-on challenges in many areas of SOLIDWORKS Simulation
The hands-on section of the exam features challenges in many of these areas of SOLIDWORKS Simulation functionality:
• Static, Frequency, and Thermal studies
• Working with Solid and Shell elements
• Working with Beams
• Applying loads and restraints
• Planes of symmetry
• Non-uniform loads
• Mesh controls
• Use of configurations to compare designs
• Convergence of results
• Result forces
Exam Length: 90 minutes
Minimum Passing Grade: 75%
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional
Notes: You must use at least SOLIDWORKS Standard and SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional 2011 or SOLIDWORKS Student Edition 2011 or later for this exam. Any use of a previous or lower version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files or access some of the needed functionality.
CSWPA: Professional Advanced
Sheet Metal (CSWPA-SM)
About: Employers can be confident that an individual with this certification understands the set of SOLIDWORKS tools that aid in the design of sheet metal components.
All candidates receive electronic certificates and a personal listing on the CSWP directory* when they pass. To show up in the directory, this option must be set in your online certification account.
Exam features hands-on challenges in many of these areas of SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal functionality:
• Linear Edge Flange
• Curved Edge Flange
• Miter Flange
• Closed Corner
• Gauge Tables
• Bending calculation options
• Bend Allowance
• Bend Deduction
• K-Factor
• Hem
• Jog
• Sketched Bend
• Forming Tool
• Unfold and Fold
• Flatten
Note: Excel should be installed on the computer you are running SOLIDWORKS to ensure that your Gauge Table functionality works properly for the exam.
The following topics will also be included on the SOLIDWORKS 2011 version of the exam:
• Convert to Sheet Metal Feature
• Hem Improvements
• Sheet Metal Cut List Properties
Exam Length:
2011 Version (English) 90 minutes
2006 – 2010 Version (Non-English): 2 hours
Minimum Passing Grade: 75%
Recommended Training Courses:
• SOLIDWORKS Essentials
• SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal
CSWE: Expert
Mechanical Design (CSWE-Mechanical Design)
About: A CSWE will be well rounded in their knowledge of all areas of the SOLIDWORKS software. A CSWE is able to solve practically any modeling problem given to them, and is traditionally the go-to SOLIDWORKS user among their colleagues.
This certification includes a digital badge issued by Acclaim on behalf of Dassault Systèmes at the successful completion of the test. Please be sure to accept your digital badge by following the instructions included in the email you will receive from Acclaim.
Exam may feature hands-on challenges in some of these areas:
• Lofts
• Sweeps
• In-context assembly changes
• Imported part modification
• Belts and chains
• Sketch blocks
• Multi-bodies
• In-context assembly design
• Sketch pictures
• Spring modeling
• Move/Copy bodies
• Split tool
• Assembly Mates
• 3D Sketch
• Advanced Weldments
• Sheet Metal Import and Modification
• Assembly Configurations
• Advanced Bill of Materials Functionality
Exam Prerequisites:
• Successfully passed the CSWP exam
• Successfully passed at least four of the CSWP advanced topic exams (Sheet Metal, Weldments, Surfacing, Mold Tools, and Drawing Tools)
Exam Length: 4 hours
Minimum Passing Grade: 80%
Note: SOLIDWORKS 2015 or later is required to take the exam
Simulation (CSWE-S)
About: A Simulation Expert will be well rounded in their knowledge of all areas of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation software. A CSWE is able to solve practically any analysis problem given to them, and is bridging the gap between engineer and analyst.
Expert level exams are meant to be the most challenging exams SOLIDWORKS offer, so therefore no sample exam is provided. If the exam is not successfully passed, you will have to wait 90 days to retake the exam.
The exam consists of 40 questions
• 10 Hands-On questions (worth between 10 and 20 points each depending on their difficulty)
• 30 Multiple Choice questions (worth 2 points each)
Exam may feature hands-on challenges in some of these areas:
• Linear stress
• Contact
• Connectors (bolts, pins, springs)
• Shells, including Composite shells
• 2D simplification
• Resolving meshing problems
• Mesh convergence
• Steady state and transient thermal
• Thermal stress
• Resonance frequencies and mode shapes
• Drop test
• Linear buckling
• Linear dynamic (modal time history, harmonic, random vibration, response spectrum analysis)
• Nonlinear static
• Nonlinear dynamic
• Nonlinear buckling
• Assembly Configurations
• Results (stress, displacement, reaction force, connector force)
Exam Prerequisites:
• Successfully passed the CSWP exam
• Successfully passed the CSWA-S exam
• Successfully passed the CSWP-S exam
Exam Length: 3 hours
Minimum Passing Grade: 70%
Note: SOLIDWORKS 2017 and SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium 2017 or later is required to take the exam, and so is the ability to unzip files.
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