Lesson 10: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S)

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SOLIDWORKS Certification demonstrates your commitment to enhancing your skill set in an ever-changing world. For hiring managers, it acts as a valuable assessment to attest for an individual’s competency, thereby reducing the amount of time and energy required to research candidates.

For mechanical, structural and civil engineering students, the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) exam, is my favorite for undergraduates. This exam shows knowledge in linear static analysis, the finite element method and how theory can be applied to SOLIDWORKS Simulation for real-world simulation.

Lesson 10 covers general information and content of the on-line proctored SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) exam. Obtaining the CSWA-S certification indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of demonstrating an understanding in the principles of stress analysis and Finite Element Method (FEM).

If your school is an Academic Provider, the provider can allocate free CSWA-S exam opportunities. 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, CSWP and other specialty exams.

The CSWA-S exam can be taken with either Desktop SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS.

Click the following link: Academic Certification | SOLIDWORKS. View the Academic SOLIDWORKS Certification Home page.

Slide the side bar downward.

 View the available information.

The page is an excellent resource of information on the available Academic Certification exams and how to become a SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider.

Click the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) link.

The SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) page is displayed.

Slide the side bar downward.

View the available information.

The page provides a wealth of information on the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) exam.

The main requirement for obtaining the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) certification is to take and pass the on-line proctored (Academic Provider) 120-minute exam which consists of 20 questions. Minimum pass grade is 70% (70 points out of 100 points).

The questions consist of 3 hands-on problems, single answer, multiple-choice, yes/no and multiple selections for a total of 100 points. Point allocation ranges from 3 points to 20 points per question, depending on the difficulty.

You are allowed to answer the questions in any order. Timing yourself is crucial. One exam strategy is to answer all the hands-on questions first within 90 minutes. Here you will gain the most points. Leave 30 minutes to answer the yes/no, and multiple answer questions. Use SOLIDWORKS Simulation Help during the exam. Note: You need to enter the answer in the correct units with the correct decimal place. There is no partial credit for any questions.

The intended audience for the exam is anyone with a minimum of 3 – 6 months of SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Simulation experience and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Engineering Mechanics – Statics.
  • Strength of Materials.
  • Finite Element Method/Finite Element Analysis Theory.
  • Define a Static Analysis Study.
  • Knowledge of setting and modifying of SI/English units.
  • Knowledge of Simulation Options (System Options dialog box).
  • Apply material to a part or assembly.
  • Define a Beam, Solid or Shell element.
  • Define Connector properties such as Contact Sets (Local Interactions), No Penetration (Contact) and Bonded.
  • Apply and modify Connections, Contact Sets (Local Interactions) and Contact Type (Interactions).
  • Define Standard and Advanced Fixtures and External loads.
  • Define Local and Global coordinate systems.
  • Knowledge of Solid and Sheet Metal models.
  • Understanding the axial forces, sheer forces, bending moments, and Factor of Safety.
  • Understand how to select either p-adaptive or h-adaptive methods.
  • Ability to use SOLIDWORKS Simulation Help.

The CSWA-S only covers Static Linear analysis.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is an Add-in. Use SOLIDWORKS Simulation during the CSWA-S exam. Utilize the Contents and Search tabs to locate subject matter.

All candidates receive an electronic certification, a digital badge, business card logo and optional personal listing in the SOLIDWORKS Certification directory when they pass.

There is a minimum 14 day waiting period between every attempt of the CSWA-S exam.

Additional Recourses: Note: A 3DEXPERIENCE ID is required.

Click the following link: MySolidWorks – Official SOLIDWORKS Community.

Login.

Click the Training tab.

Enter Simulation in the Search field. Click the Search icon.

Slide the side bar downward.

Click the Linear Static Structural Analysis of a Part link.

View the video (inside of MySolidWorks).

Lesson 10 is finished.

Lesson 11 covers taking the on-line proctored SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) exam. The exam can be taken with Desktop SOLIDWORKS. The main requirement for obtaining the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate (CSWA-S) certification is to take and pass the on-line proctored (Academic Provider) 120-minute exam which consists of 20 questions. Minimum pass grade is 70% (70 points out of 100 points).

Other blogs in this SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Series

Lesson 1 SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – What is the Journey?

Lesson 2 SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – Certification Provider Program for EDU

Lesson 3 SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification 3DEXPERIENCE Certification Center

Lesson 4: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – Exam Opportunities

Lesson 5: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – Student Needs

Lesson 6: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – CSWA Exam Part 1

Lesson 7: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – CSWA Exam Part 2

Lesson 8: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – SOLIDWORKS Additive Manufacturing Associate (CSWA-AM) Exam

Lesson 9: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – Taking the SOLIDWORKS Additive Manufacturing Associate Exam

 

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