pic: Solidworks Certificate

[steelerborn]

As a tech support intern at a Solidworks re-seller I feel the need to step forward and answers some questions. The classes we offer always answer the tough questions, we have customers come in all of the time asking extremely tough questions, and the instructor will take the time to answer them. This could just be where you are taking your classes. Also the certifications are a HUGE thing! Granted the CSWA may be able to be passed with some experience and $100, but the other exams CSWP all the way to the highest level the CSWE are difficult. In fact if you look on the certification page on Solidworks.com you can see some of the hard topics discussed (Surfaces for example). So I think it is wrong to say that these don't mean much. In the end the certification exams teach a lesson that many people in the industry lack, and that is design intent, the ability to see a model and look for areas that may need to change, and designing them to be editable in a way where the model does not blow up. It is also a very elite group of Solidworks users, the CSWE only has I believe around 900 in the entire world! So if you work all the way up to that level I can't believe that this won't help you find employment.

[Tetraman]

It's like asking "Will my CPR certificate allow me to practice medicine?"

Is it going to help? Yes, and I mean -the class- is going to help you get the basics down and give you proper understanding of the tools and capabilities of the program. But does that certificate mean you have what it takes to do a job? Not so much. In order to get a job where you'll be using SolidWorks or ProE or ALL of the programs you need to prove mastery and competent use of the program to solve problems.

The certificate might help you in smaller businesses that simply look for something on a resume to easily recognize one person's ability over another... but in the long run you'll be much better off with a portfolio of work that proves your mastery of the program.

[mplanchard]

Any FIRST team that designs with SolidWorks is eligible to take the CSWA exam. Your teacher must go to www.solidworks.com/cswa and fill out the CSWA Provider Application. We will provide the $99 exam to any FIRST member at no charge that is offered through an instructor or mentor in a proctored environment. However, you must be prepared to take the exam. 1. Ability to read an engineering drawing and create a part that is 100% accurate according to the dimensions, materials, and engineering notes. 2. Understand how assemblies fit and know how to use imported geometry 3. Know design intent of the model, so if there is a change, you can modify dimensions and instances quickly. 4. Calculate center of mass and define coordinate systems. 5.Take the sample exam at www.solidworks.com/cswa. Marie