This learning path contains 8 individual training video topics covering Sheet Metal fundamentals. This supplemental training will provide a great study course for getting ready to take the exam. For additional CSWPA-SM Certification preparation, please be sure to check out the My.SOLIDWORKS.com learning path.
CSWPA - Sheet Metal
A complete guide on how to prepare for the CSWPA Sheet Metal certification.
Introduction
Welcome to the next critical trial along your SOLIDWORKS certification journey. This is one of the necessary paths required to complete for an advanced user working towards a SOLIDWORKS Expert Certification. And while it is only required to earn 4 out of the 5 available Advanced Certifications to prepare for the Expert, there are Sheet Metal questions featured on the CSWE exam. Therefore, from a preperation standpoint, this is an excellent choice for your next Advanced Certification.
What is the CSWPA-Sheet Metal Exam?
The Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Advanced Sheet Metal Exam is an Advanced skills test. The test shows that a user knows their way around the Sheet Metal functions of the software and has the potential to design parts correctly and accurately as native Sheet Metal components. This is a highly recommended certification exam for all users who are working towards their Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert.
"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 CSWPA-SM exam:
- Linear Edge Flange
- Curved Edge Flange
- Miter Flange
- Closed Corner
- Gauge Tables
- Bending calculation options
- Bend Allowance
- Bend Deduction
- K-Factor
- Hem
- Jog
- Sketched Bend
- Forming Tool
- Unfold and Fold
**There are several iterations of CSWPA-SM exam test questions and models, therefore some or all the above skills may be needed. **
Preparation
How do I prepare for the CSWPA-SM?
Obtaining your SOLIDWORKS Professional Sheet Metal (CSWPA-SM) certification is a challenging task that requires a deep understanding of sheet metal design principles and hands-on experience with the software. This certification goes beyond what is taught in the core Sheet Metal class. It involves the creation and modification of sheet metal parts, reverse engineering sheet metal components from an assembly, and analyzing sheet metal designs for proper bend allowances and flat patterns.
Download Models Featured in the Drawings Presentation
CSWPA-Sm 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 Sheet Metal course will teach you how to build standalone sheet metal parts and convert conventional parts to sheet metal in assembly context.
cswpA-SM Prep Course
CSWPA-SM
Continue your CSWP training with GoEngineer's industry approved CSWPA-SM prep course. This course was designed by SOLIDWORKS instructors.
Topics covered in this course:
- Base Flange Creation
- Advanced Sheet Metal Features
- Convert to Sheet Metal
- Sheet Metal In the CSWE
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 CSWPA-SM exam.
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Advanced Preparation Material
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Advanced Preparation Material is intended for the SOLIDWORKS user who has already passed the CSWP exam, and is ready to advance to the next level. This book covers the five CSWPA examinations: Sheet Metal, Weldments, Surfacing, Mold Tools, and Drawing Tools.
SOLIDWORKS Intermediate Skills
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
As a follow-up to the Basic Drawing Skills covered in his previous book ‘SOLIDWORKS Basic Tools’, Paul’s Intermediate Skills covers the advanced Drawing concepts targeting Assembly Drawings, Balloons, and BOM’s. In fact, all of Paul’s textbooks are great companions to your official SOLIDWORKS training manuals when studying to prepare for your Advanced Professional Certifications.
SOLIDWORKS Advanced Techniques
by Paul Tran CSWE, CSWI
This manual has chapters on advanced topics including advanced sweeping and lofting. Additionally, this manual provides some CSWP preparation materials and other advanced techniques that will help you with daily SOLIDWORKS usage. Finally, all of Paul’s manuals include a SOLIDWORKS Quick Guide which includes the icons found within the program interface, a description, and a few pages on Customizing SOLIDWORKS toolbars and keyboard shortcuts.
SOLDIWORKS Part Reviewer Models
Access ready-to-use configurable and downloadable files.
3D Content Central: https://www.3dcontentcentral.com/parts/supplier/PCS-Company.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-SM 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.
STEP 1.
STEP 2.
Next, click on the magnifying glass icon from the side left menu. 
STEP 3.
Review this video before proceeding.
Additional Resources
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