SOLIDWORKS certifications show employers that you can model parts, build assemblies, and solve design problems under time pressure. This guide collects every certification article, tutorial, and practice exam on 3D Engineer in one place, organized by exam, so you can find exactly what to study next.
Exam formats, fees, and passing scores change from time to time. Always confirm the current details on the official SOLIDWORKS Certification Program page before you schedule a test.
Which SOLIDWORKS certification should you take?
| Certification | Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| CSWA (Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate) | Entry | Students and new users proving core part, assembly, and drawing skills |
| CSWP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional) | Professional | Working designers and engineers; taken in segments covering modeling, configurations, and assemblies |
| Advanced CSWP exams | Specialist | CSWPs adding skills like Sheet Metal, Weldments, Mold Tools, and Drawing Tools |
| CSWE (Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert) | Expert | Experienced CSWPs who have passed multiple advanced exams |
Prefer structured video training? SolidProfessor offers step-by-step courses for each exam: CSWA prep course and CSWP prep tutorials.
CSWA: Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate
Start here if you are new to SOLIDWORKS certification. These articles explain the exam, what to study, and how to prepare.
- CSWA Practice Questions with Worked Solutions (Free Practice Set)
- Know Before You Go: Exactly What to Expect from the CSWA
- Earning Your CSWA in 3 Easy Steps (SOLIDWORKS)
- The SOLIDWORKS Features and Mates You Need to Know for the CSWA Exam
- The HELP menu. How I passed the CSWA.
- SolidProfessor Summit Video on Preparing for the CSWA Using xDesign
Free download: Your CSWA Exam Preparation Guide from SolidProfessor.
CSWP: Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional
Watch full exam walkthroughs on our CSWP practice exam videos page.
Understand the CSWP exam
- What Is the CSWP Exam and Can It Help Your Career?
- Learn What to Expect on the CSWP Exam and Other Advanced SOLIDWORKS Certifications
- CSWP Overview
- CSWP Infographic
CSWP study tips
- 11 Tips from Engineers Who Passed the CSWP Exam
- 5 Tips for Getting SOLIDWORKS Certified: CSWP
- 3 Quick SOLIDWORKS Tips to Help You Pass Your CSWP on the First Try
- Tips for taking the CSWP
- CSWP Preparation
- FREE SOLIDWORKS CSWP Exam Prep Guide
CSWP prep series
- CSWP Beginning Prep
- CSWP Help Menus
- CSWP Prep: Other Resources
- CSWP Prep: User Groups
- CSWP Prep: Tangix Tester
- CSWP Prep: Setup files and equations
- CSWP Prep: Look Over the Entire Test
- CSWP – Sketching
CSWP exam walkthroughs by section
- Part modeling and dimension updating
- Configurations, suppression, sketch planes, and design changes
- Assemblies, mates, and collision detection
- CSWP Sample Exam Interpretation
- Basic Extrude Features, Shells, Dimensioning and Mass Properties for the CSWP
- Setting the Origin in SOLIDWORKS: Correct a Mistake on the CSWP
CSWP practice exam videos
- CSWP Segment 1: Practice Test #1
- CSWP Segment 1: Practice Test #2
- CSWP Segment 1: Sample Questions 3 and 4
- CSWP Segment 1: Sample Questions 5 and 6
- CSWP Segment 3: Practice Test #1
- CSWP Segment 3: Sample Exam 1
- CSWP Segment 3: Sample Exam 2
- SolidBox CSWP Sample Exam, Part 1
- Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Sample Exam
Free download: 30+ Insider Secrets to Passing the CSWP Exam from SolidProfessor.
Advanced CSWP exams
CSWP Sheet Metal
- Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional: Sheet Metal Exam
- How to Get a SOLIDWORKS Certification in Sheet Metal Using SolidProfessor
- Linear edge flange
- Curved edge flange
- Miter flange
- Closed corner
- Gauge tables
- Bending calculation options
- Bend allowance
- Bend deduction
- K-factor
- Hem
- Jog
- Sketched bend and rebuild times
- Forming tool
- Unfold and fold
- Flatten
CSWP Mold Tools
- CSWP: Mold Tools
- CSWP Mold Tools Sample Test Walkthrough
- Draft analysis
- Parting line creation
- Parting line surface creation
- Shut-off surface creation
- Parting line split face
- Core tool
- Cavity tool
- Imported part repair
CSWP Weldments
- CSWP: Weldments
- Weldment profile creation
- Adding profiles to the weldment library
- 3D sketch creation
- Corner modification
- Gaps at corners and intersections
- Trim/Extend command
- End caps
- Gussets
- Cut list folder management
CSWP Drawing Tools
- CSWP Drawings Intro and Sample Exam
- Sample exam question 1
- Sample exam question 2
- Sample exam question 3
- Sample exam question 4
- Sample exam question 5
- Sample exam question 6
CSWE: Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert
- How to Pass the CSWE
- Become a Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert
- Speedy Certified SOLIDWORKS Experts Are Set Up to Succeed: Mastering the CSWE
- SOLIDWORKS Certification: Why Take the CSWE Exam
Onshape certification
New to Onshape certification? Start with our Certified Onshape Associate exam guide covering the format, cost, and how to prepare.
Onshape, the browser-based CAD platform, has its own official exam: the Certified Onshape Associate. SolidProfessor’s Onshape courses include a Beginner to Certification prep course. These articles also cover practicing for the CSWP in Onshape:
Is SOLIDWORKS certification worth it?
- Is SOLIDWORKS Certification Worth It?
- Why You Should Become a CSWP or CSWE as a CAD Manager
- Will a Certification Help Your Students Land Their First Job?
- The growth of the CSWP, with Mike Puckett of SOLIDWORKS
- The benefit of the CSWP, with Mike Puckett
Already certified? Here is how to list SOLIDWORKS certification on your resume and LinkedIn.
Build the skills behind the exams
Brush up on individual tools with our SOLIDWORKS feature tutorial videos and simulation video tutorials.
Need the software first? See how to get SOLIDWORKS for free or cheap, now that the Student Edition is free for eligible students.