Mastering SolidWorks: Your Guide to Getting Certified

Written By InterLink Engineering

Looking to showcase your SolidWorks skills? SolidWorks certifications are the perfect way to do just that! Offered through Dassault Systèmes, these certifications are available for students, hobbyists, professionals, and educators. Picture yourself taking on graded tests using the software, earning certificates at different proficiency levels - it's like unlocking achievements in a video game, but with real-world rewards!

Most students can pass the Associates-level exam and, with additional studying or experience, the Professional-level exam becomes an achievable goal. But here's where things get exciting: once you've passed the Professional exam, you can choose from an abundance of advanced tests! Consider diving into Advanced Drawing Tools, mastering Sheet Metal, welding designs together in Weldments, designing intricate surfaces in Surfacing, or going in-depth on Mold Making, and exploring the coveted Expert-level exam.

But wait—there's more! With additional specialty choices like Sustainable Design, Additive Manufacturing, Model-Based Definition, API, Electrical, CAM, Simulation, and Flow Simulation, the possibilities are limitless. It's like tailoring your SolidWorks experience to your interests and career goals.


What to expect on the test

Associates Level (CSWA): The Associates-level exam is the first step on your SolidWorks certification journey. It's designed to assess your basic understanding of the software. Typically, this exam consists of multiple-choice and hands-on questions that test your knowledge of SolidWorks fundamentals, such as sketching, part modeling, assemblies, and drawing views. You'll have about 3 hours to complete this exam.

Professional Level (CSWP): The Professional-level exam is more in-depth and this exam is more in-depth and requires a deeper understanding of SolidWorks concepts. You can expect a mix of multiple-choice questions and practical exercises that assess your proficiency in advanced topics like advanced part modeling, configurations, and assemblies. The Professional exam usually takes around 4 hours to complete.

Specialty Exams: After passing the Professional exam, you have the option to take advanced exams that focus on specific areas of SolidWorks. These exams allow you to demonstrate expertise in specialized skills like sheet metal design, surfacing, weldments, mold making, and drawing tools. Each specialty exam, including Sheet Metal (CSWPA-SM), Weldments (CSWPA-WD), Mold Making (CSWPA-MM), Drawing Tools (CSWPA-DT), and Advanced Surfacing (CSWPA-SU), has its own set of questions and practical tasks related to its topic. Depending on the specialty, these exams can take between 1.5 to 3 hours.

Expert Level (CSWE): The Expert-level certification is the highest achievement in the SolidWorks program. To earn it, you must pass the Professional exam and at least four out of the five specialized exams. This rigorous assessment covers advanced topics like surfacing and large assembly management. Expect a mix of question types, including multiple-choice and practical exercises, testing your expert skills. The exam takes about 5 hours due to its depth. Achieving Expert-level certification shows you're a true SolidWorks expert.


What you need to take the test

To take the SolidWorks certification test, you'll need a few key things. First and foremost, you'll require a valid license of SolidWorks 2015 or a newer version. This ensures you have access to the software needed for the exam. Additionally, you'll create a login for the test-taking site, known as Virtual Tester, when you register for the exam. We recommend using a personal email address so you can take your certifications with you throughout your career. It's also essential to meet any prerequisites for tests above the Professional level, which just require a previous successful exam of a lower level.

Time is another crucial factor. While some versions of the test allow you to break it up into separate parts, often the exam needs to be completed in one multi-hour stretch. This means you'll need to set aside a block of time where you can focus solely on the test without interruptions.

Lastly, you'll need to consider the financial aspect. There is usually a fee for taking the certification test. Make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the test fee. However, if you have a voucher for a free test, you can use that instead. Keep reading if you want to know how to get a free voucher.

Overall, to prepare for the SolidWorks certification test, make sure you have a valid software license, access to the testing site, meet any additional requirements, set aside sufficient time, and have the necessary funds or voucher for the test fee.

How to get a voucher

With a license of SolidWorks, users are allowed 2 vouchers total per year. One between January and June and another between July and December. Vouchers expire after 6 months, so use it as motivation to get it done! Universities and company organizations will often be able to help in obtaining vouchers by offering a license number to use.

To obtain a voucher, go to Virtual Tester and use your personal login associated with your active SolidWorks license. Go to the "$" on the left and to Subscription Offer, start here. Sign in to SolidWorks with the associated license's login and choose the test/s you'd like to take, then Redeem. Find your test voucher codes in Show (you'll need these to get the free credit in Virtual Tester). However, note that you can't get a voucher for the Expert-level test (you have to pay for it).

For a step-by-step guide, visit GoEngineer's blog. Alternatively, come to the May 2024 Phoenix Metro SWUG to get on our list for a free Associates or Professional certification exam voucher! To learn more about the event check out our SWUG page!


How to prepare for the test

So you have everything you need to physically take the test - you just have to study! We recommend taking some practice exams to gauge how ready you are, which can be found on Dassault Systems' website. For extra knowledge beyond YouTube, reach out to your local SolidWorks value-adding resellers, such as GoEngineer and MLC CAD Systems, as they may have tips or lessons designed specifically to prepare you for your test. You can also pair up with your local SolidWorks User Group (SWUG), most of which can be found on Meet Up, for a variety of like-minded SolidWorks-using study buddies!

Come join our May 14th Phoenix SWUG to get tips on speed modeling and preparing for certification exams as well as to get a free CSWA or CSWP voucher. Then, come to our SolidWorks Certification Day to buckle down and study or take a test in a group setting!

JOIN TODAY!


Resources

InterLink Engineering https://interlinkengr.com
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