As the IT world continues to expand and become more competitive, Solidwork certifications have become more relevant today. A Solidworks certificate is one single tool that can help distinguish you from the rest and put you at the top of the competition.
Solidworks certification serves as a yardstick for measuring the individual knowledge of CAD professionals and their proficiency with Solidworks applications.
Becoming a certified Solidworks professional is proof to your potential employers that you are proficient in the field. It can also help you switch from one job to a better one more easily with improved pay or bonuses.
Enough has been said already. let’s get right into all we will discuss.
Table of contents
- What is CSWP?
- Taking the CSWP Exams
- Solidwork Certifications Practice
- What are Certifications for Solidworks?
- How Long Do Solidworks Certifications Last?
- How Many People Pass the Solidworks Certifications?
- Step by Step Guide On How to Get Solidworks Certifications
- FAQs on Solidworks Certifications
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendation
As a Solidworks expert, there are three Solidworks certification levels you can achieve. They include:
- First Level: Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA)
- Second Level: Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP)
- Third Level: Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE)
Solidworks Certified engineers earn higher than their colleagues in the field. Therefore, Solidwork Certifications are no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s, business world. While there are other certifications available for solid works engineers, the CSWP certification is the most popular today.
Let’s get into this;
What is CSWP?
The CSWP (Certified Solidworks Professional) Certification is for an engineer, designers and people in whose expertise is in the area of product development. The certification provides them with hands-on experience to test their proficiency.
To be eligible for this certification, the intending candidate must have at least six months of practical experience working with Solidworks software daily.
As a prerequisite to CSWP, candidates must first obtain a CSWA certification. There are over 30,000 Solidworks experts that hold the CSWP certification.
Read: 15 Best Certifications For Jobs That Pay Well In The World 2023
Taking the CSWP Exams
The CSWP exams consist of three sections which are, modeling of parts, Configuration, and Assembling. Candidates are required to score at least 75% in all three segments to qualify for certification.
Candidates that fail to meet the cut-off score in any of the three segments can retake them after 14 days. Every successful candidate gets an electronic certificate and a business logo. Candidates who also desire will get an official listing on the CSWP directory.
Only an average of 74% of experts who enroll for the CSWP Solidwork Certifications Examination come out successful in the end. Therefore, it is essential to prepare before taking the exams.
Candidates who take preparation seriously before sitting for the exams scale through the first time and get their certification. One way to prepare for the CSWP examination is by utilizing CSWP online training courses available at SolidProfessor.
The website provides candidates with all the essential tools and materials that will help them prepare effectively for their certification exams.
Through the website, candidates can get acquainted with the different sections of the certification exams, practice mock-up exercises, and get the opportunity to discuss with industry experts and practice with CSWP mock multi-choice questions.
Solidwork Certifications Practice
Taking your CSWP Certification Prep Courses on SolidProfessor will introduce you to 62 video training resources and multi-choice tests.
However, for full access to the training resources, you need to sign up as a professional or premium member.
As earlier mentioned, Certified Solidworks Professional Certifications training involves three main sections. Below is an outline of what a candidate is expected to learn under the three sections.
Section One: Modelling of Parts
Under section one, the candidate will do the following:
- Model initial parts from a drawing
- Using equations and linked dimensions, the candidate will provide a full definition for the model
- The candidate will identify the mass property of the model
- The candidate will update the model by updating the equations and linked dimensions
- Modification of the geometry of the modeled parts
SectionTwo: Configurations
In section two, the candidate will learn how to do the following:
- Use design tables to generate new configurations
- Make adjustments to the existing parts of the model
Note: Before proceeding to this section two of your CSWP training course, it is essential to ensure that you install Excel on your computer for a functional design table. A functional design table is also essential for your CSWP exams.
SectionThree: Assembly Modelling
In Section Three, the candidate will learn how to:
- Introduce fixed and moving components to the model by the use of collision detection
- Replace the existing parts of the model using flexible and sub-assembly
Note: it is essential to ensure that the initial model is done correctly because these tests in this section will build on one another.
All Solidworks certification exams are conducted online and candidates must be of legal age to be eligible to enter for the examinations.
Certified Solidworks Certifications Exam Registration Procedure
Registration for exams involves the following three steps:
Step one: visits the appropriate examination portal for the certification you are interested in and click the “Buy Now” button on the page.
Once you purchase the exam, you will receive an email of the next step to follow to complete your registration. In case you do not find the mail in your inbox, also check your spam folder.
Step two: Download TesterPro Client on your computer and prepare for your exams. Ensure you are ready before taking your certification exams.
Step three: when you complete your exams, you can access your account through the Solidworks Certification Center to print your certificates.
An active subscription service is required to gain full access to the certification center.
What are Certifications for Solidworks?
All Solidworks certifications available today fall under the following categories:
- CSWE: Expert
- CSWA: Associate
- CSWP: Professional
- CSWP: Professional Advanced
- 3DExperience
- Academic Certifications
- Partner Programs
- Certified Provider Program
- Certification for Students/Schools
| NAME OF CERTIFICATION | TYPES | DURATION | COST |
| Solidworks Expert (CSWE)Under the Solidworks Experts, there are two types of certification, which show a person’s competency in any of the two fields. Level: AdvancedPass Score: 85% | CSWE-Mechanical Design CSWE-Simulation | 90-minute | $149 |
| Solidworks Professional (CSWP) Solidwork Certified professionals show a high level of competence in their area of specialization. To be eligible for the certification, candidates must pass an advanced-level proficiency test. It is the most common Solidworks Certification available today. Level: Beginner to Advanced Pass score: 75% | CSWP-Mechanical DesignCSWP-Academics API (CSWP-API) Model-based Design (CSWP–MBD) CAM (CSWP–CAM) PDM Administrator Professional (CPAP) Simulation (CSWP–Simulation) Flow Simulation (CSWP-Flow) | 3.5 hours | $99 |
| Solidworks Professional Advanced (CSWPA)Certified Solidworks Professionals (Advanced) show exceptional understanding of their respective area of specialization, from sheet metal to drawing tools. Level: Intermediate Pass Score: 75% | Sheet Metal (CSWPA-SM) Weldments (CSWPA-WD) Mold Making (CSWPA-MM) Drawing Tools (CSWPA-DT) | 90 minutes | $99 |
| Solidworks Associate (CSWA)Certified Solidworks Associate stands out in today’s competitive job market in their area of study. Level: Beginner to Intermediate Pass Score: 70% | Mechanical Design (CSWA–Mechanical Design) Additive Manufacturing (CSWA–Additive Manufacturing) Electrical (CSWA-Electrical) Mechanical Design Academic Version (CSWA–Academic) STUDENTS ONLY Simulation (CSWA–Simulation) Sustainability (CSWA–Sustainability) | 3 hours | $99 |
| 3DExperience PlatformCertification in this field shows that the candidate has an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of design and functionality. Level: Beginner to Intermediate Pass Score: 70% | Mechanical DesignMechanical Design Academic VersionCollaborative Business InnovatorCollaborative Industry Innovator3D Creator3D Sculptor3D Structure Creator3D Mold Creator3D SheetMetal CreatorCollaborative Designer for SolidworksLean Team Player | 3 hours | $99 |
Partner Programs
The partner programs are other essential certifications by Solidworks partners.
For Students/Schools
For Schools That are certified Solidworks Academic Provider, there are certification courses, which students can take for free. Note that the minimum requirements for licensing also apply to this kind of certification.
- CSWA
- CSWP
- CSWPA
Candidates can also register for individual topic exams for $19.95.
Read: Where to Put Certifications On a Resume| Full guide on how to list and Samples
How Long Do Solidworks Certifications Last?
Solidworks certification does not expire. However, it is essential to upgrade your certification sometimes to remain relevant in the market.
Solidworks update its interface and software per annum as well as its best practices and tools. Therefore, it is essential to upgrade you’re your certification every few years to remain relevant and up to date.
How Many People Pass the Solidworks Certifications?
According to Solidworks’ official website, the pass rate for CSWA exams is 65% and CSWP is 74%. The most challenging is certification is the CSWE examination with only about a 2% pass rate as of 2016.
Therefore, while it is essential to keep your skill level up to date and seek certification, preparation is essential. Candidates must ensure that they prepare well before registering and taking the exams.
Step by Step Guide On How to Get Solidworks Certifications
If you are new to Solidworks, the best way to study for Solidworks Certification is to get abreast with the materials and tools through practical experience.
Below is a step-by-step guide for candidates that wish to gain Solidworks certification.
#1. Understand the structure of Solidworks certification exams
There are several ways to learn and understand more about the structure of Solidworks Certification exams. You can download mock exam questions from Solidworks’ official website or learn from past questions etc.
You can also sign up for a live coaching session from experts with experience in the field.
#2. Complete the Solidworks exercises
Completing Solidworks exercises will help you get abreast with the various aspects of Solidworks of your interest.
#3. Complete relevant practical exams
Completing practical exams will help you get conversant with the basic functionalities and interface of Solidworks.
#4. Learn from expert tips and tricks
Learn and understand the various tips and tricks of Solidworks from industrial experts and those that have passed the exams before.
#5. Learn the various Solidworks keyboard shortcuts
Leering keyboard shortcuts is the easiest way to enhance workflow and reduce the amount of time you spend on your studies and work.
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FAQs on Solidworks Certifications
There are two types of licenses available for Solidworks, the standalone license and the network floating license.
Yes. Solidworks provides training and certification for students through Solidworks certified training colleges. You can activate your Solidworks using a license key. Note that Solidworks licenses are designed to work on a single machine.
Solidworks installation requirements can be a bit demanding. However, professional-level workstations meet the installation requirements. For full details of the minimum installation requirements, visit the link.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive market with increasing growth in the IT sector, one of the best ways to stay on top of the situation is through certification. Therefore, if you are a Solidworks engineer, it is essential to get a certification for your skill.
Certified Solidworks experts stand a higher chance of landing bigger jobs and getting higher pay in the industry.
Certification helps to tell your potential clients that you have hands-on experience in your area of specialization. While there are many opportunities available in the Solidworks sector, no organization wants to hire an engineer without the right skill set to get the job done.
The simplest and best way to tell these potential employers that you have the right skill set is through certification.
References
Recommendation
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