Are SOLIDWORKS Certifications Really Worth It?

My journey with SOLIDWORKS began soon into my first year of university. As one would expect, proficiency in CAD software is a vital tool for a mechanical engineering graduate to possess, and so I was introduced to SOLIDWORKS early on. I distinctly remember my first time trying to create a 3D model for a class exercise. I stumbled my way through the assignment and somehow got to the end destination, but it was not pretty.

My Experience with SOLIDWORKS and Certifications

This experience set a sub-optimal starting point from which I grew in proficiency with SOLIDWORKS. Although I could work with the software and create basic designs, my workflow was slow and inefficient. This became painfully apparent at my first job at a manufacturing company, where I was (good-naturedly) teased for my cumbersome and resource intensive practices when it came to part and assembly modelling. I had gotten so “proficient” at my erroneous ways of working with SOLIDWORKS that I did not even stop to think that there might be better ways to get to the same end point.

Fast-forward to 2021, when I began to take certifications to assess my knowledge. The CSWA-Mechanical (Associate certification) exam preparation gave me a solid foundational understanding of the basic tools to create and edit parts and assemblies. The CSWP-Mechanical (Professional certification) showed me intermediate and advanced techniques such as using equations in modelling, creating configurations with design tables, and using collision and interference detection for assemblies,  which allowed for higher productivity and increased confidence in my work. Other advanced certifications such as the sheet metal and weldment certifications required an understanding of the full suite of features available within these tools which enhanced my abilities when it came to things like modelling sheet metal enclosures and welded structures.

SOLIDWORKS Certificate

The Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Certifications

Beyond improving your skills, SOLIDWORKS certifications are a fantastic way to prove your technical competencies against an industry leading CAD software. These certifications are valuable as a resume booster and are also attractive to companies who would otherwise have to spend a significant amount of time and money bringing a new user up to speed. With the abundance of certifications available on various topics including mechanical design, surfacing, mold tools and simulations, there are plenty of avenues for you to hone your skills, work more productively, and set yourself apart from the rest.  Additionally, these certifications are tied to you and your SOLIDWORKS credentials for life, entering you into the SOLIDWORKS database and allowing you to make a name for yourself among the many engineers and designers that use the software.  SOLIDWORKS recognizes the importance of ensuring the integrity and respectability of its certification program, which is reflected in this article on the SOLIDWORKS Blog.

Want to get SOLIDWORKS Certified?

If you are interested in getting SOLIDWORKS certified, you can start by learning more on the SOLIDWORKS website and leveraging some of the resources found on the blog. Alternatively, feel free to contact our team for any questions!