The What, Why, and How of SOLIDWORKS Certification
Setting yourself apart with SOLIDWORKS Certification
SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard for CAD with millions of users worldwide so demonstrating SOLIDWORKS proficiency is paramount when setting yourself apart in a competitive job market. So, you may be wondering, “How can I distinguish myself among the millions of SOLIDWORKS users?”
The short answer? SOLIDWORKS Certification.
SOLIDWORKS offers a range of official, industry-recognized certification exams to help you test your skills and better distinguish yourself as an expert SOLIDWORKS user. Here, we’ll explore the what, why and how of SOLIDWORKS certification to start you on your way to becoming a certified SOLIDWORKS expert.
What is the SOLIDWORKS Certification Program?
The SOLIDWORKS Certification Program began in 1998 with the first certification exam—Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional. Today, the SOLIDWORKS Certification Program has grown into a range of exam offerings that serve as world-recognized benchmarks measuring both knowledge and competency with SOLIDWORKS software.
Our certification exams are divided into four main domains: Design/Engineering, Management/Collaboration, Manufacturing/Production, and Simulation. Within these domains there are a range of exams available, offered at different levels, to help you find the certification that best matches your unique skill set.
We also break down our certification offerings into a range of programs. There are Partner Programs available, which are certificate programs offered by our SOLIDWORKS partners. These offerings are standalone certifications to further demonstrate your SOLIDWORKS prowess. Additionally, we offer certification programs for students enrolled in academic institutions, with a further offering for academic providers such as teachers. Learn more about our Academic Certification here.
Why Should I Get SOLIDWORKS Certified?
The value of a SOLIDWORKS certification cannot be understated. For job seekers, a SOLIDWORKS certification will help you stand out amid a sea of applicants, allowing you to show off your SOLIDWORKS know-how on your resumé and boost your chances of securing an interview. Being certified proves your skill level to potential employers, so they know they can trust your CAD knowledge and know you follow best practices when modeling. For those who are already employed, adding a SOLIDWORKS certification to your toolset not only demonstrates your commitment to continued growth within your field but also provides you with an opportunity for continued learning and professional development.
SOLIDWORKS certifications also provide benefits in an academic context. For students, a SOLIDWORKS certification can help validate the hours spent on in-class or passion learning, open the door for further skills development, and give an extra leg up when applying for jobs after graduation. For others in academia, a SOLIDWORKS certification will help you practice, develop, and show off your skills.
Regardless of which bucket you fall into, the ability to validate your proficiency in SOLIDWORKS software, continue your professional development and learning, and distinguish yourself as an expert SOLIDWORKS user are benefits that are universally applicable.
How Can I Get My SOLIDWORKS Certification?
Successful certification starts with successful preparation. If you want to start prepping for your certification exam, have no fear; practice resources are here! You can also look through the offerings from our partners, check out this blog post on user-generated certification training, or read through this article on ENGINEERING.com on how to pass the Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) exam.
Once you’ve prepared, it’s time to take the certification exam. Luckily, getting your SOLIDWORKS Certification is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
Step 1: Choose your desired exam from the main SOLIDWORKS Certification Program page, purchase it, and watch your inbox for an email from us with the exam procedure (be sure to check your spam folder if you do not see the email after purchase!)
Step 2: Take the exam on your computer whenever you’re ready
Step 3: After you pass the exam, access your account via the SOLIDWORKS Certification Center and print or download your certificates
No matter how you prepare, or which exam you choose, we at SOLIDWORKS want to help you put your best foot forward so you can become a certified SOLIDWORKS professional, and distinguish yourself not only within your company, but across the globe.
Want to learn more about all that SOLIDWORKS has to offer? Check out this blog post: “7 Reasons Why You Should Choose SOLIDWORKS as Your Design Solution.” One of the best things about being a user of SOLIDWORKS is our large, passionate user base, highlighted in this blog post, “The SOLIDWORKS User Group Network- A Community by Users for Users.” Or read up on the value our SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partners provide to our users in this blog, “3 Unique Benefits of Working with SOLIDWORKS Resellers.”