This learning path contains 23 individual training video topics covering Mechanical Design. This supplemental training will provide a great study course for getting ready to take the exam. For additional CSWE-MD Certification preparation, please be sure to check out the My.SOLIDWORKS.com learning path.
CSWE Mechanical Design
A complete guide on how to prepare for the CSWE Mechanical Design certification.
Introduction
The CSWE Mechanical Design exam is the ultimate goal for the SOLIDWORKS Mechanical Design Engineer. This exam is designed to verify the breadth of knowledge by testing SOLIDWORKS users on their knowledge and navigation of the design tools available in the software. Please note that you must have already earned the CSWP-Mechanical Design and 4 out of the 5 CSWPA-Mechanical Design certifications before you are able to attempt this exam.
What is the CSWE Mechanical Design Exam?
The Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert exam is a cumulative final pulling on all aspects of the mechanical design software tools available in SOLIDWORKS. This exam will feature challenges in drawing tools, sheet metal, weldments, and may contain parts that require lofting and sweeping along with model repair knowledge. The test has 20 questions and the exam length is 4 hours.
"SOLIDWORKS Certifications will set you apart from other applicants and show them that you can be useful on the job from day one. Some SOLIDWORKS users are very productive in a narrow set of tools, and through certification, you can expand your knowledge and show your peers you are dedicated and willing to commit to lifelong learning."
– Phil Sluder, Mechanical Engineer/Owner
What skills may be required to pass the CSWE Mechanical Design exam:
- Weldment profile creation
- Placing the Weldment profile in the Weldment Profile Library
- Basic and advanced Weldment Part creation
- Weldment corner modification
- Placing gaps at corners and segment intersections
- End Caps
- Belts and chains
- Sketch blocks
- Multi-bodies
- In-context assembly design
- Sketch pictures
- Spring modeling
- Move/Copy bodies
- Split tool
**There are several iterations of CSWE-MD exam test questions and models, therefore some or all the above skills may be needed.**
Preparation
How do I prepare for the CSWE-MD Exam?
The Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert of Mechanical Design could be described as a cumulative final that will require most, if not all, of your advanced SOLIDWORKS skills. However, earning the Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert of Mechanical Design ultimately provides proof that you are extremely well versed in all aspects of the SOLIDWORKS mechanical design software and that you have demonstrated the skills necessary for designing complete mechanical systems. Having met all of the exam prerequisites, you should be well prepared for the exam.
On the final exam, there is a total of twenty questions. There is a maximum point value of two hundred. You will be required to get at least a hundred and sixty points to pass, and you will have two hundred and forty minutes in which to complete the expert exam.
Download Models Featured in the Drawings Presentation
CSWE-MD RECOMMENDED TRAINING
The GoEngineer SOLIDWORKS Essentials training course will teach you how to build 3D parametric models of parts and assemblies and prepare drawings of those parts and assemblies as you prepare for the CSWP.
The SOLIDWORKS Advanced training course builds upon the Essentials lessons to provide instruction on advanced features and capabilities in SOLIDWORKS.
The SOLIDWORKS Drawings training course teaches designers how to create drawings of parts & assemblies by expanding on drawing topics introduced in the Essentials course.
The SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal course will teach you how to build standalone sheet metal parts and convert conventional parts to sheet metal in assembly context.
The SOLIDWORKS Weldments course will teach you how to create welded structures with standard structural members and weld beads.
The SOLIDWORKS Surface Modeling course teaches you how to build free form shapes using SOLIDWORKS mechanical design automation software.
SOLIDWORKS Mold Design teaches you several manual mold creation techniques and how to use the Mold Tools in SOLIDWORKS mechanical design automation software.
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 CSWE-MD exam.
Official Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Certification Guide
by David C. Planchard CSWP
This book is intended for individuals who have passed the CSWA exam and have eight or more months of SOLIDWORKS experience. It offers tips, hints, and sample questions to help prepare for the CSWP CORE exam. The guide is organized into three chapters, each focusing on a segment of the exam. However, it is not meant to be a step-by-step SOLIDWORKS tutorial.
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Advanced Preparation Material
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
The CSWPA exams test advanced SOLIDWORKS skills, helping you stand out to employers. Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Advanced Preparation Material prepares users for the five CSWPA exams: Sheet Metal, Weldments, Surfacing, Mold Tools, and Drawing Tools. Each lesson is based on real exam content, with clear steps and screenshots to guide you. This book is an essential resource for passing the CSWPA exams and advancing toward the Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert certification.
SOLIDWORKS 2024 Basic Tools
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
SOLIDWORKS 2024 Basic Tools is the first book in a three-part series designed to introduce new users to the SOLIDWORKS interface, tools, and basic modeling techniques. It covers the creation of parts, assemblies, and drawings, with lessons based on real-world projects broken into easy, step-by-step instructions. Each chapter includes self-test questionnaires to ensure comprehension before moving on to more advanced topics. The book emphasizes a hands-on approach, guiding users through SOLIDWORKS from the ground up.
SOLIDWORKS Intermediate Skills
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
SOLIDWORKS 2024 Intermediate Skills is the second book in a three-part series, building on the features introduced in SOLIDWORKS 2024 Basic Tools. It expands your knowledge by covering essential features such as lofts, boundaries, multibodies, and generating engineering drawings. Using a step-by-step tutorial approach with real-world projects, it prepares you for advanced techniques covered in the next book. Additionally, it includes a Quick-Reference Guide for SOLIDWORKS 2024 commands, icons, and customized hotkeys.
SOLIDWORKS Advanced Techniques
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
SOLIDWORKS 2024 Advanced Techniques builds on the skills learned in SOLIDWORKS 2024 Intermediate Skills, aiming to elevate users from intermediate to advanced. It covers complex modeling techniques, advanced tools, parts, surfaces, SimulationXpress, sheet metal, top-down assemblies, and core and cavity molds. Each lesson is based on real-world projects, broken down into easy-to-follow steps, with self-test questionnaires at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning. The book emphasizes a hands-on, step-by-step approach to mastering SOLIDWORKS inside and out.
The Complete Guide to Mold Making with SOLIDWORKS
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
The Complete Guide to Mold Making with SOLIDWORKS 2024 is designed for experienced SOLIDWORKS users, offering in-depth knowledge of SOLIDWORKS mold tools and their application in creating effective mold designs. Each chapter provides step-by-step instructions on tasks such as designing molds, developing complex parting lines, and using surfacing tools to repair models. The book also covers advanced topics like simulating plastic flow with SOLIDWORKS Plastics and Flow Simulation to predict and prevent defects in plastic parts. Every project is based on real-world products and broken down into simple steps, with clear explanations and detailed screenshots to support learning.
SOLIDWORKS Part Reviewer Models
Access ready to use configurable and downloadable files.
3D Content Central: https://www.3dcontentcentral.com/parts/supplier/SOLIDWORKS-Part-Reviewer.aspx
SAMPLE EXAM AVAILABLE FROM THE SOLIDWORKS CERTIFICATION PAGE
Finally, right before you take your official Certification Exam, please download and attempt the following CSWPA-WD Sample Exam CLICK HERE
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 give away 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
Improve your skills with professional training and certifications in SOLIDWORKS, CAM, 3D Printing, and 3D Scanning offered four ways: self-paced, online, on-site, or in-classroom. Certified Training Courses
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ONLINE STORE
Order 3D printing materials and consumables, enroll in SOLIDWORKS training classes, and buy official GoEngineer gear directly from our online store. Online Store
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Our engineering webinars are hosted by some of the top experts in the industry. They are always recorded, always free, and always offer a live Q&A. WEBINARS
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Need to 3D print a part? Our Additive Manufacturing experts will 3D print your part and deliver it to you using the latest technology on one of our professional FDM, PolyJet and SL 3D printers. 3D Printing Services
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GoEngineer's CAE consultants help you design better products faster. Our advanced FEA & CFD services provide critical engineering insight to world-class OEMs, suppliers, and start-ups alike.Simulation Services
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