CSWP - Simulation

A complete guide on how to prepare for the CSWP Simulation certification.

What is the SOLIDWORKS CSWP-Simulation certification?

Introduction

Welcome to the Professional stage of your SOLIDWORKS Simulation certification journey. This is the second of three major FEA exams. This is also the second and final requirement taking you closer towards the level of certified SOLIDWORKS Simulation Expert!

 

What is the CSWP-Simulation Exam?

The Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional in Simulation exam is a mix of multiple choice, hand calculations, and hands-on challenges. It focuses on four main physics: linear perturbation static, resonant frequency modes, buckling modes, and thermal heat transfer. It can be used as a baseline for any company to verify if anyone who has completed the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Advanced course has 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 CSWP-Sim exam:

  • Multiple choice questions about general topics in simulation and FEA, and SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
  • Manual calculations of loads and stresses in simple cases
  • Several hands-on challenges in many areas of SOLIDWORKS Simulation

The hands-on section of the exam features challenges in many of these areas of SOLIDWORKS Simulation functionality:

  • Static, Frequency, and Thermal studies
  • Working with Beams
    • Definition of beams and trusses
    • Beam loads
    • Beam results
  • Applying loads and restraints
  • Planes of symmetry
  • Non-uniform loads
  • Mesh controls
  • Use of configurations to compare designs 
  • Convergence of results
  • Result forces

        **There are several iterations of CSWP-SIM Exam test questions and models, therefore some or all the above skills may be needed.** 

        What skills may be required to pass the SOLIDWORKS CSWP-Simulation exam?

        How do I prepare for the CSWP Simulation exam?

        The Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Simulation Exam, is a mix of multiple choice, hand calculations, and hands-on challenges. It focuses on four main physics, linear perturbation static, resonant frequency modes, buckling modes, and thermal heat transfer. Understanding these concepts, summaries of which SOLIDWORKS provides in their help files, will improve your multiple choice section. Can you do a hand calculation to estimate reaction moment and forces at the end of a beam? Can you calculate shear forces? What if the cross sectional area changes during one of these calculations? Ability to answer questions like this and reviewing the SOLIDWORKS verification problems will give you a strong showing for the manual calculations.


        Download Models Featured in the Drawings Presentation

        Download the Bulldozer Assembly STL Files For the SOLIDWORKS CSWPS-DT Preparation Video.

        Bulldozer Assembly

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        Download the Mounting Bracket STL Files For the SOLIDWORKS CSWPS-DT Preparation Video.

        Mounting Bracket

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        Download the Ennis House Tile STL Files For the SOLIDWORKS CSWPS-DT Preparation Video.

        Ennis House Tile

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        Download the Crow Bar STL Files For the SOLIDWORKS CSWPS-DT Preparation Video.

        Crow Bar

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        Download the Army Knife STL Files For the SOLIDWORKS CSWPS-DT Preparation Video.

        Army Knife

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        SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials Training Course

        This SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials class provides a first look at the basics of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

        REGISTER

         

        Training for SOLIDWORKS Simulation Advanced Training from GoEngineer

        This class provides an in-depth coverage of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), covering the entire process from meshing to evaluation of results for parts and assemblies.

        REGISTER

         

         

        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:

        SOLIDWORKS FAQ

         

        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.

        USER DIRECTORY

         

        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. 

        my.solidworks Prep Course

        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 CSWP - Simulation Certification preparation, please be sure to check out the My.SOLIDWORKS.com learning path. 

         


        Utilize guides and manuals written by certified SOLIDWORKS Instructors to help prepare you for the CSWP exam.

        Official Guide to Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate Exams: CSWA, CSWA-SD, CSWA-S, CSWA-AM

        Official Guide to Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate Exams: CSWA, CSWA-SD, CSWA-S, CSWA-AM

        by David C. Planchard CSWP

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        additional buying options

        The Official Guide to Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate Exams offers comprehensive coverage for the CSWA, CSWA-SD, CSWA-S, and CSWA-AM exams. Tailored for users with 6-9 months of SOLIDWORKS experience, it provides tutorials, tips, and over 250 practice questions. The chapters focus on essential exam topics, explaining everything from question layout to grading procedures. Certification is a valuable tool for career advancement, and this guide helps ensure students pass the exams on their first attempt, saving time and opening doors to new opportunities.

        Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024

        Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024

         by Randy H. Shih

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        additional buying options

         The goal of Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024 is to teach engineers and designers the essential aspects of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). It emphasizes practical concepts for using SOLIDWORKS Simulation to perform Linear Static Stress and basic Modal Analysis. The book follows a hands-on approach with fourteen tutorial-style lessons that guide users from basic truss elements to 3D solid models. Each lesson builds on the previous one, helping users learn FEA techniques through practical exercises and progressively complex designs.

        Simulation Resources

        Access ready to use configurable and downloadable files.

         


        Additional Videos

         Visit the GoEngineer YouTube channel for additional simulation videos to help prepare you for the CSWP-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**

        GET EXAM VOUCHER HERE


         

        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 2.

        Next, click on the magnifying glass icon from the side left menu. 
        3DEXPERIENCE Certification Center


        STEP 3.

        Review this video before proceeding.

         

        Additional Resources

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