SOLIDWORKS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

What are the Available Certifications For SOLIDWORKS?

SOLIDWORKS certificates are at four different levels: Associate, Professional, Professional-Advanced, and Expert. There is more than one certificate on offer under each level. If you are starting from scratch, we recommend you follow the indicated arrows for your certification journey below.  

Which of the SOLIDWORKS Certificates do I Need to Take?  

Every person is different in terms of which certificates they need or should take. The most common core SOLIDWORKS Certificates are the CSWA and the CSWP, both relating to Mechanical Design. If you are starting with SOLIDWORKS or looking to use it to create generic 3D Models, we would recommend you work toward those two levels. Those will equip you with the most common SOLIDWORKS tools and give you a good foundation to move toward any of the more specialized levels. As for the rest of the levels, that would mostly depend on your intended specific applications. For example, suppose you will be working towards designing sheet metals. In that case, it is recommended to seek the advanced sheet metal certificate. Similarly, with all the professional advanced levels and the specialty topics like simulations, CAM, etc.

What SOLIDWORKS Certification Programs are Available to Me? 

All the certification exams are available for anyone to take. All of the certification exams are conducted online through the Tangix TesterPro Client, which you can download through the 3D Experience Certification Centre. Depending on your skill level and needs, you can pick the certificates that best suit you. With the exception of the Expert Certification, there are no prerequisites to taking any of the certificates.   

How do I Take a SOLIDWORKS Certification Exam?  

You can take any of the SOLIDWORKS Certifications through the SOLIDWORKS Certification Program. The certifications are paid with prices ranging from USD 20 to 149. Once you purchase an exam, you will be able to take it through the TesterPro Client. You will need to have a stable internet connection through the exam as they are online.  

Student editions:

If you are a student, you might be eligible for free certification vouchers if you belong to an institution that is an Academic Certification Provider.  

If I have a SOLIDWORKS License with an Active Subscription, Can I Use it to Redeem Free Certification Exams Vouchers? 

What Happens if I Fail a Certification Exam?  

If you fail the certification exams, you can simply retake it. However, you can’t immediately after. Each of the exams has a specified period that you have to wait. The waiting period to retake an exam is 14 days, except for the expert-level exams, which have a waiting period of 90 days. There will be no public records for any failed attempt you have.  

I have been using SOLIDWORKS for Many Years. Should I get Certified? 

Many tend to think that it is enough to say that you have used SOLIDWORKS for multiple years. However, that does not prove that you have a well-rounded understanding of SOLIDWORKS tools and functions to meet the standard of the certified SOLIDWORKS expert.  This is especially applicable to critical functions relating to model optimizations and maintaining design intents.  
 
A SOLIDWORKS certification will not only prove your skills on building visual 3D models but also prove your ability in other functions like design optimization, the ability to maintain design intents, and being able to do all that in a benchmarked timed duration.  

Are the SOLIDWORKS Certifications Verified?  

Each issued certification would have a unique Certification ID for people to validate it through the 3DExperience Certification Centre. In addition, there is a public certified users directory that contains a list of all certified users. As a certified user, you can choose if you want to be listed there or not through your account at the 3DExperience Certification Center.  
 

What is the Best Approach to Learn SOLIDWORKS and Get Certified?  

Preparing for SOLIDWORKS certification exams requires a comprehensive strategy combining extensive practice and structured learning. TforDesign provides an excellent starting point, offering comprehensive courses with a focus on core SOLIDWORKS content complemented by ample practice opportunities, mock exams, and project work.

Alongside these structured courses, it's beneficial to practice 3D modeling with varied artifacts that can be found in everyday spaces like your home or office. This approach ensures that you continually challenge yourself, facilitating growth and increased familiarity with the software.

The journey to becoming a certified SOLIDWORKS professional is optimally guided by structured learning with experienced individuals or organizations. This method allows you to grasp the software in a linear, organized way that saves time while fostering the acquisition of best practices. It can also alleviate some of the confusion that may arise when learning from disconnected sources.

TforDesign School offers SOLIDWORKS programs tailored to different levels, embodying the principle of structured learning, and they also provide access to experts for addressing any questions or concerns during your learning journey. This approach amalgamates structured learning and extensive practice, providing a solid groundwork for certification exam preparation.

How Hard is it to Start Learning SOLIDWORKS and Get Certified if I am Already Familiar with AutoCAD?

AutoCAD has some fundamental differences with SOLIDWORKS as much of it is 2D while SOLIDWORKS is a fully 3D software. Thus, coming from AutoCAD, we recommend starting with a basic level like our Associate course.

Your familiarity with AutoCAD may expedite your learning process with SOLIDWORKS quicker than average, as you might already be familiar with the fundamental way of thinking when dealing with CAD software.

How can SOLIDWORKS Certifications Benefit Your Career?

You might be asking about the possible benefits SOLIDWORKS certifications can have on your career. Here are a few: