CSWA - Mechanical Design - Academic Version
CSWA - Academic certification is intended for a student who is well-versed in both basic knowledge of engineering fundamentals and industry practices, along with SOLIDWORKS CAD software and its methodologies and simulation principles.
The CSWA - Academic Exam is provided in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Chinese S, Chinese T, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese.
Who should take the CSWA - Academic Exam
CSWA - Academic certification is intended for a student who is well-versed in both basic knowledge of engineering fundamentals and industry practices, along with SOLIDWORKS CAD software and its methodologies and simulation principles. SOLIDWORKS recommends that applicants review the online tutorials on Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings as a prerequisite, and have at least 150 hours of classroom instruction that thoroughly covers the SOLIDWORKS CAD application, engineering design principles, and industry best practices. The CSWA - Academic exam is only available through qualified educational institutions and Academic Certification Providers, and only given in a proctored environment. Complete the SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider Application to apply.
Organization of the CSWA - Academic Exam
The CSWA - Academic Exam is divided into five major sections which are described below. Questions in the exam are provided randomly from a pool of available questions. The questions refer to an in-depth, illustrated, dimensioned model. The minimum passing grade is 165 out of 240 points.
Drafting Competencies (3 Questions of 5 Points Each)
- Miscellaneous questions on drafting functionality
Basic Part Creation and Modification (2 Questions of 15 Points Each)
- Sketching
- Extrude Boss
- Extrude Cut
- Modification of Key Dimensions
Intermediate Part Creation and Modification (2 Questions of 15 Points Each)
- Sketching
- Revolve Boss
- Extrude Cut
- Circular Pattern
Advanced Part Creation and Modification (3 Questions of 15 Points Each)
- Sketching
- Sketch Offset
- Extrude Boss
- Extrude Cut
- Modification of Key Dimensions
- More Difficult Geometry Modifications
Assembly Creation (4 Questions of 30 Points Each)
- Placing of Base Part
- Mates
- Modification of Key Parameters in Assembly
Total Questions: 14
Total Points: 240
Points Needed to Pass: 165
Maximum Time: 180 min for the full exam or 90 min for each part of the two part exam
Please note, the 2 part CSWA exam is offered for schools enrolled in the SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider program so that the exam may be administered in two sessions when 3 hours are not available for the full exam. Each part is graded separately and no points are carried over from the grade of one part to the other part. Once a student has passed both parts, the final CSWA certificate will be awarded.
Recommended Self-paced Training
My SolidWorks Learning Paths: CSWA and CSWP Exam Prep Courses
SOLIDWORKS Tutorials
Re-test Policy: There is a minimum 14 day waiting period between every attempt of the CSWA - Academic exam. Also, a CSWA exam credit must be purchased for each exam attempt.
CSWA - Academic Certificate
After a student passes the CSWA - Academic Exam and signs the required agreements, the SolidWorks Academic Certification Provider will print out the CSWA - Academic Certificate, identifying the candidate’s school, CSWA -Academic Career Certification ID and valid certification date. A CSWA -Academic Certificate also is available from the SolidWorks Virtual Testing Center: www.virtualtester.com/solidworks.
