Lesson 1: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – What is the Journey?

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As a mechanical engineer, tenure professor and holding various positions within SOLIDWORKS and Dassault Systèmes, I’ve been using SOLIDWORKS since 1997. In 2002, SOLIDWORKS started a certification program for the SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate (CSWA) Certification exam.  This exam has been known by a few different names over the years.

I’ve talked to thousands of educators, students, makers, and designers all asking about our certification programs. I’m excited to write a series of blogs to share my experience and knowledge as we explore the Academic SOLIDWORKS certification journey.

Why would someone want a SOLIDWORKS certification? A SOLIDWORKS certification verifies a level of skill proficiency with the software in a certain area. SOLIDWORKS certifications also confirms a level of engineering and design competencies too. It can be a great resume booster and also sets you apart in a competitive job market.

SOLIDWORKS Certification demonstrates your commitment to enhancing your skill set in an ever-changing world.

There are over 850,000 SOLIDWORKS certification users worldwide. Each year, new certifications are created to address the needed skills required by industry.

In today’s competitive job market, the certifications serve as tangible proof of your skills and knowledge, distinguishing you from other candidates. The certifications indicate to employers that you have undergone rigorous training and have met industry standards, which can be particularly appealing for roles requiring specialized skills.

Moreover, SOLIDWORKS certifications come with the endorsement of reputable organizations, adding a layer of credibility to your professional profile. Employers frequently use SOLIDWORKS certifications as the benchmark during the hiring process to ensure candidates have the necessary competencies.  The global employment website, Indeed.com explains SOLIDWORKS Certifications in their Indeed Career Development Site.

In the first blog of the certification journey, we address the various available levels of the Academic SOLIDWORKS certifications. We believe the educator is key to providing qualified students to our commercial customers. The educator is the important first step in this journey of life long learning.

There are three main levels: Associate, Professional and Expert. We will first address the Associate certification which is targeted towards a SOLIDWORKS user with 3 to 6 months of software experience and basic engineering and drawing skills. The actual preparation time may vary depending on course pedagogy and student prerequisites.

Please follow along.

Click the following link Academic Certification | SOLIDWORKS to visit the 3DEXPERIENCE Certification Center Home page. View the available tools for educators, students, makers and designers.

Slide the side bar downward.

View the available information.


The page provides a wealth of information on the available Academic Certification exams and how to become a SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider.

At the bottom of the page, additional teacher/instructor certification information is provided.

Accredited Educator Certification

Technology Educator Competency Exam (TECC) Exam

Presently, there are thirteen Academic Associate certification exams offered by Dassault Systèmes and the SOLIDWORKS brand.

SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate (CSWA)

SOLIDWORKS Additive Manufacturing Associate (CSWA-AM)

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S)

SOLIDWORKS Electrical Design Associate (CSWA-E)

SOLIDWORKS 3D Creator Associate

SOLIDWORKS 3D Sculptor Associate

SOLIDWORKS 3D Structure Creator Associate

SOLIDWORKS 3D SheetMetal Creator Associate

SOLIDWORKS 3D Mold Creator Associate

DraftSight 2D Design and Drafting Associate

3DSwymer Associate

Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS Associate

ENOVIA Collaborative Industry Innovator Associate

The most popular Academic Associate certification at this time is the SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate (CSWA) exam.

Throughout these lessons, I will provide links to address posted exam study material, manage certifications, create exam opportunities, address digital badges, reset lost password, setup exam class, and view / manage automatic exam grading.

This is the end of Lesson 1.

The second lesson will address the on-line application process to become a SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider. An Academic Certification Provider is defined as an educational institution on subscription, with a minimum number of licenses (varies by country), that is eligible to administer CSWA, CSWA-AM, CSWA-S, CSWP and other specialty exams.

The process is easy and painless for instructors. Educators, I invite you to start thinking about providing your students exams that they can utilize throughout their careers. Some of my happiest messages come from former students and interns with a simple, “Thank you Marie for SOLIDWORKS Certification.”

Design well.  Marie

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1