{"id":19839,"date":"2025-08-04T12:54:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:54:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/teacher\/?p=19839"},"modified":"2025-08-04T12:54:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:54:55","slug":"lesson-6-solidworks-academic-certification-cswa-exam-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/teacher\/2025\/08\/lesson-6-solidworks-academic-certification-cswa-exam-part-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Lesson 6: SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification – CSWA Exam Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Lesson 5<\/a>, we covered accommodating student\u2019s needs. The first section addressed student password recovery. The second section addressed an Academic Provider obtaining extra exam time for a student.<\/p>\n

Lesson 6 covers general information, content and taking the on-line proctored Part 1 of the SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate (CSWA) Certification exam. The exam can be taken with either Desktop SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS. Note<\/strong>: You need to pass both parts (Part 1 & Part 2) to obtain your CSWA Certification.<\/p>\n

The CSWA exam indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of 3D CAD design and engineering practices, principles and drawing views. For hiring managers, it acts as a valuable assessment to attest for an individual\u2019s competency, thereby reducing the amount of time and energy required to research candidates.<\/p>\n

As a global exam, the CSWA is provided in 13 languages. I used to tell my students, “Passing the CSWA is like money in the bank – you’ll never know when you need it.” Now CSWA is a digital currency – with almost 1 million SOLIDWORKS users certified in engineering, design, manufacturing, simulation, data management, all connected through SOLIDWORKS technology<\/p>\n

The CSWA Academic exam is provided either in a single 3-hour part, or 2 – 90-minute parts.<\/p>\n

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Part 1 of the CSWA Academic exam is 90 minutes, minimum passing score is 80, with 6 questions. There are two questions in the Basic Part Creation and Modification category<\/strong>, two questions in the Intermediate Part Creation<\/strong> and<\/strong> Modification category<\/strong> and two questions in the Assembly Creation and Modification<\/strong> category.<\/p>\n

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In Part 1, there are 6 questions. The first question is in a multiple-choice single answer format. If you don\u2019t find an option within 1% of your answer, recheck your model before going to the design modification section. The design modification question is in a single answer format. Note<\/strong>: You need to enter the answer in the correct units with the correct decimal place. There is no partial credit for any questions.<\/p>\n

The main differences between the Basic and Intermediate categories are the complexity of the number of features and sketches. The questions require knowledge on finding the correct overall mass or the location of the Center of mass relative to the default part Origin location. Note<\/strong>: All answers in Part 1 & Part 2 are in the MMGS (millimeter, gram, second) unit system. Decimal place 2.<\/p>\n

Part 1<\/strong>: Part Creation and Modification C<\/strong>ategory<\/strong>:<\/p>\n