This learning path contains 12 individual training video topics covering SOLIDWORKS Simulation fundamentals. This supplemental training will provide a great study course for getting ready to take the exam. For additional CSWA - Simulation Certification preparation, please be sure to check out the My.SOLIDWORKS.com learning path.
CSWA - Simulation
A complete guide on how to prepare for the CSWA Simulation certification.
Introduction
Welcome to the first test in your Simulation certification journey. Your first milestone is to earn your SOLIDWORKS Associate Certification. While it is not required to earn the SOLIDWORKS Associate in Simulation Certificate before pursuing your SOLIDWORKS Professional in Simulation Certificate, it is required if you pursue the SOLIDWORKS Expert for Simulation. Nevertheless, this important first step will introduce you to the SOLIDWORKS Certification process and will give you experience with how the testing procedures work.
What is the CSWA-Simulation Exam?
The Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate in Simulation exam is a basic skills test to show that a user understands basic FEA theory, and can perform a linear static analysis in SOLIDWORKS Simulation. It can be used as a baseline for any company to verify that students who have completed the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials course have learned and retained the information presented in the course.
"As a 20+ year SOLIDWORKS user on a daily basis I never really had the need to get my certifications. When my employer decided to lay off most of the Engineering Department, my priorities had to change. Acquiring my CSWP and CSWPA-DT was a way of boosting my toolbox. I figured if I was in competition with someone for a position these certifications may be the deciding factor. From the employer’s perspective, knowing the person they are hiring can do the job running when they hit the ground saves time and money. It is in their best interest to find qualified people."
– Dave Spilka
Spilka Innovations, LLC
What skills may be required to pass the CSWA-Sim exam:
- Engineering Mechanics - Statics
- Strength of Linear Materials
- Finite Element Method / Finite Element Analysis Theory
- Defining Static Analysis Study
- Applying Materials
- Defining Solid, Shell, and Beam elements in Multibody Parts and Assemblies
- Creating and refining Mesh & Mesh Controls
- Applying and modifying Component Interactions & Connectors
- Defining Standard and Advanced Fixtures & External Loads
- Knowledge setting and modifying of SI & English units
- Defining Local and Global coordinate systems
- Understanding axial forces, sheer forces, bending moments & factor of safety
- Creating and modifying Result Plots
- Selecting different solvers as directed to optimize problems
- Determining if results are valid and make sense
- Understanding the types of problems SOLIDWORKS Simulation can solve
- Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation Help
**There are several iterations of CSWA-SIM Exam test questions and models, therefore some or all the above skills may be needed.**
Preparation
How do I prepare for the CSWA Simulation exam?
The CSWA Simulation test will test you on quite a few different concepts, not just about the software, but you will want to review some of your general engineering knowledge, general FEA understanding, some of the actual SOLIDWORKS Simulation features, and how to post process results to be able to get answers for the test. The test consists of twenty multiple choice questions and three case study problems.
Download Models Featured in the Drawings Presentation
CSWA-SIM RECOMMENDED TRAINING
The SOLIDWORKS Essentials class provides a first look at the basics of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
CERTIFICATION FAQ's
So, you're kicking the tires and trying to decide if this is worth your time and effort? Discover some good reasons to challenge yourself and commit to studying and learning enough to become a Certified SOLIDWORKS user!
Find out the main goals and some of the requirements for taking a certification exam. For a complete list of all the FAQs about SOLIDWORKS certification please see:
Showcase your accomplishments by choosing to be listed in the SOLIDWORKS Certification Directory and use it to discover who else is certified in your local area.
Did you take a certification exam but not pass it? The good news is that the 3DEXPERIENCE Certification Center keeps track of exam results, which can be used to determine which area or topic needs additional study. This can also be used to find out the statistical average scores from all users who have attempted the same exam.
If you're a hiring manager, you've likely seen a self-proclaimed SOLIDWORKS expert status listed on a resume. How do you correctly determine that user's skill level? Through official SOLIDWORKS Certification exams.
Proof of authenticity is important when there is an industry established standard. SOLIDWORKS maintains a verification database to provide everyone with the ability to perform a ‘background’ check to ensure a certification is genuine.
How to Make a Virtual Tester Account From the Website
In this video, learn how to make a virtual tester ID from the website.
How to Make a Virtual Tester Account From the Tester Program
In this video, learn how to make a virtual tester ID from a test client.
In this video, learn how to make a SOLIDWORKS ID to gain access to your Subscription Benefits.
In this video, learn how to make a customer portal from an administered account.
Additional Study materials
TRAINING BOOKS AND GUIDES
Utilize guides and manuals written by certified SOLIDWORKS Instructors to help prepare you for the CSWA - Simulation exam.
Engineering Analysis with SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024
by Paul Kurowski Ph.D., P.Eng.
The Engineering Analysis with SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024 course offers a comprehensive introduction to both SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024 and the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Through a series of hands-on exercises, participants will tackle a wide range of FEA problems, progressively building their skills with each chapter. The course covers essential topics such as linear static analysis, contact stress, frequency (modal) analysis, buckling, thermal analysis, and more advanced areas like nonlinear and dynamic analysis. Printed in full color, the materials guide participants through key modeling techniques, solution methods, and the effective implementation and management of FEA projects, ensuring a thorough understanding of FEA terminology and its role in the design process.
Simulation Resources
Access ready to use configurable and downloadable files.
3D Content Central: https://www.3dcontentcentral.com/parts/supplier/SOLIDWORKS-Part-Reviewer.aspx
Additional Videos
Visit the GoEngineer YouTube channel for additional simulation videos to help prepare you for the CSWA-Simulation certification exam.
ACCESS CERTIFICATION EXAMS
HOW TO GET A SUBSCRIPTION VOUCHER
- Exam vouchers can be requested twice a year – one in the first half and another in the second half of each calendar year.
- Once a voucher code is generated, it can be redeemed by anyone. This allows users to share or giveaway their unused vouchers.
- Exam vouchers expire 180 days after they are issued.
- Once a voucher is entered into the VirtualTester, the exam must be taken immediately.
**WATCH ENTIRE VIDEO TUTORIAL BEFORE PROCEEDING**
HOW TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL CREDITS
If you are a hiring manager and you want to use the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate exam to use with a potential candidate, you can purchase Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate credit for around $100. Or perhaps, you are a SOLIDWORKS user who is anxious to earn a specific certification and you have already used up all of your available exam vouchers. In this case, you will need to purchase additional test credits. Check out this video to see how the procedure works.
How to use a test voucher
Now that you are ready to take that exam, see how you can use your test voucher!
managing test credits
As a hiring manager, watch this video to see how to create certification vouchers from purchased test credits to give out to prospective interview candidates to test their current SOLIDWORKS skill level.
JOIN THE RANKS OF CERTIFIED SOLIDWORKS USERS
Users who validate their skills with certifications represent an elite segment of the SOLIDWORKS community. For some, there is nothing more gratifying than achieving challenging certifications, and certificates are displayed like badges of honor. Others pursue certification to gain a competitive edge in the job market. No matter what your motivation, getting certified provides a clear path to SOLIDWORKS mastery. All certified users are added to a SOLIDWORKS directory corresponding to their level of achievement.
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Next, click on the magnifying glass icon from the side left menu.
STEP 3.
Review this video before proceeding.
Additional Resources
Take Advantage of GoEngineer’s Extensive Knowledge Base and Resources
Find a Solution
Our robust Knowledge Base contains over 12,000 resources to help answer your product design questions. From basic CAD questions to in-depth guides and tutorials, find your solution here. Find a Solution
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
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Simulation Services
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