CSWP Preparation

Prepare for SOLIDWORKS CSWP certification with CSWP online training, self-paced video lessons, hands-on exercises, and assessments available when you need them. Also see 5 tips for getting SOLIDWORKS certified (CSWP) and  11 tips from Certified SOLIDWORKS Professionals who passed the CSWP exam.

So how do you pass the Solidworks CSWP?

Passing the Solidworks CSWP exam.
Take a look at the explanation of what the CSWP is straight from Solidworks.
Interview with one of the guys responsible for actually writing the CSWP exam questions
Grab the sample test from Solidworks.
CSWP Certification Logo
Write up of CSWP Part I
Write up of CSWP Part II
Write up of CSWP Part III

Tips to pass the CSWP:

Tip to remember: Use all parts of the Software
Top Ten Tips for Taking the CSWP

Take a look at the complete list of CSWP posts.

Before starting make sure to review the Beginning Prep:
Table of Contents 
CSWP Overview
A-1. Built in Tutorials
A-2. Help Menus
A-3. Other Resources: Google, Youtube, Blogs, Forums
A-4. User Groups
A-5. Tangix Tester Pro
A-6. Setup Layout, Files, and Equations to Save Time
A-7. Look over the entire test

More training is available for the test. If these links still have you coming up short try supplementing with some additional training materials.


Pass the CSWP Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist

The advanced exams all require slightly more in depth knowledge of the corresponding features. Additionally many advanced exams require knowledge that is covered in the core CSWP. To review the features covered in the sheet metal exam check out CSWP Sheet Metal Study.


Pass the CSWP Advanced Mold Tools Specialist

3dEngr.com review of the CSWP Mold tools exam.

All of the above will help you understand the tests, but tutorials, training and others users are also important.

There are loads of other resources available, books, videos, blogs. Focusing on one portion at a time and developing a learning plan makes things much easier. For more advanced users, or those looking to brush up skills without a certification, check out some of these tutorials and training courses.

Feel free to add any advice/tips/thoughts in the comments.
Read our article if you are still researching whether SOLIDWORKS certification is worth it.

Get your SOLIDWORKS CSWP faster with training online

Check out this article for tips from Certified SOLIDWORKS Professionals. Also see Learning Paths to SOLIDWORKS Certification.

16 thoughts on “CSWP Preparation”

  1. Hello Chris,

    I’m in the process of studying to take the CSWP. Any tips on how I should set up my screen so I can see the exam and SW at the same time without having to shrink either so small that I can barely read them?

    By the way, I have found your tips on taking the test extremly helpful! Thanks!

    Terri

  2. Terri,
    Screen setup is easiest if you have dual monitors, or something massive (I use a 24″ screen). Put the client on one screen and open SW on the other. If you only have one screen I’d suggest opening only these two applications and tiling them vertically next to each other. This will cut into your design area on SW but with some quick use of the scroll wheel you can get over that.

    Be careful though if you do anything else because the testing client is FIRST CLICK ACTIVATED. That means if you click the window to make it activate, and you happen to click in the answer area, you are potentially changing your answer. Before moving on from each question make sure to double check this and then be careful when going forward and back in questions.

    Other than that I’d suggest to not change your style a lot. If you generally use Solidworks full screen with other programs open behind it try that. It may slow you down a bit but you can double check things one time at the end of each question. Don’t try to change to much from your day to day use, if necessary pull up a .pdf of the sample test and treat it as the client and see what works.

    Best of luck.

  3. Hey Chris,

    Thanks for your quick answer! I think I will just try to get a bigger monitor before I take the test. I’ve been wanting one anyway.

    Terri

  4. Hey Chris,

    I’m currently using Solidworks 2010-11. After doing a practice test, I have noticed that my answers are more different than the actual answers.

    Could there be a problem with the options or is it making false cuts?

  5. Thanks for the post, very helpful!!

    Wanted to point out your link to the SW sample test is for the 2009 test, and there is a dimension missing in the updated model for Q4 (should be another 30mm dimension in the HH-HH view near the KK-KK section line). I had to go to the 2010B sample test to get that value.

    Thought I’d share just in case anyone else was getting stuck.

    Thanks again for the post!!

  6. Hi all I got a question..
    I’ve just done the sameple test and the mass is different only .01 grams…then is it wrong answer in the real test?

  7. To the above reader,

    Typically they allow for some small rounding error. It’s possible something about your model is not ideal however most of the masses are large enough that .01g variance will be neglibeable, and the answer will be accepted.

  8. Hi Chris,

    I recently passed Parts II and III of the CSWP. I am now at a standstill, however, particularly regarding the latter portion of Part I of the exam.
    During my last attempt at Part I, I spent 15- 20 minutes checking the geometry of my model since the mass is about 100 grams more than the choices provided (Question 4). I cannot pinpoint the problem. Each time I have taken Part I, I have been asked to construct the same model, which is no problem, but ran out of time on my first two attempts, and have hit a wall on the 3rd trying to find out what the problem is w/ the model mass for the questions 4 and 5.
    I’m not asking for a solution but wanted to share this for your opinion and an ‘FYI’ for those who have not taken the test.

  9. Anonymous (above),
    The frustration is understood, trying to trouble shoot a mass issue can be tedious. Often there are small design intent items that are taken for granted. Dimensioning something to an edge instead of absolute dimensions seems to be the most popular. One technique that can be successful is to create the drawing for the part, errors sometimes pop out as you add the dimensions that are seen in the problems section views etc.

    Best of luck with the test, thanks for reading.

  10. Chris,

    Your above advice about creating a dwg was splendid! I used it, caught a very simple mistake, and passed with 100%! Thank you!

  11. Thank you, thank you, thank you! As an 8 year SW designer I finally got around to taking the CSWP. Your information was crucial to my passing all three segments. I made sure to spend time practicing every item mentioned as well as the tutorials suggested. Proud to say that I only missed one question in segment 1 as I only had 3 minutes left and knew I couldn’t complete the model changes required for the correct answer. Again thank you for your insight.

  12. Kelly,
    Congrats! Glad the site was able to help.

    With years of experience in the software how did you think the test stacked up against your skills? Were there any portions that are not a part of your normal work flow. I’m always interested to hear what veteran users think of the core CSWP exam.

    Hope you keep reading – maybe a few of the specialty tests are next!

  13. Pingback: Solidworks Tutorial: How to Use Rigid and Flexible Assemblies – Cad Cam Tutorial

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