L E A R N I N G

SolidWorks 2010

CSWA Exam Preparation

Introduction to the CSWA Exam

The Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) exam is a comprehensive professional
certification exam designed to measure proficiency in SolidWorks. The exam is available
to students and professionals who wish to earn CSWA certification and demonstrate their
SolidWorks skills to employers. Learning SolidWorks 2010 focuses on topics addressed on the
CSWA exam and will help you prepare for the exam. The examples, practices, and exercises
in the textbook are designed to help you build essential SolidWorks skills and acquire the
knowledge needed to pass the CSWA exam.
This document serves as an introduction to the organization of the CSWA exam and
the general process used in taking the exam. Questions on the CSWA exam require you to
demonstrate specific SolidWorks modeling skills or knowledge of a given topic. Practice
questions are provided on the student Web site (www.g-wlearning.com/CAD) to help you
become familiar with the types of questions featured on the CSWA exam.
The CSWA exam can be taken at a CSWA Provider institution or by visiting
www.solidworks.com. Ask your instructor or employer or visit www.solidworks.com for more
information about taking the CSWA exam.

CSWA Exam Organization

The CSWA exam is an electronic exam that is taken online using the TesterPRO Client
software. See Figure 1. The TesterPRO Client software is available at www.virtualtester.com.
You must download the software and create a user account to take the exam. A user name
and password are entered to create the user account. After downloading the software and
entering your account information, you can start the exam.
When you start the exam, the software generates the exam questions automatically.
The questions are issued in random order. This serves the purpose of generating each exam
with unique questions.
There are seven total questions on the exam. CSWA exam questions are organized into
five major categories. These categories are listed as follows:
Basic Modeling Theory and Drawing Theory
Part Modeling
Advanced Part Modeling
Assembly Modeling
Advanced Modeling Theory and Analysis
Each exam category is represented by one or two questions on the exam. Questions in
the Part Modeling, Advanced Part Modeling, and Assembly Modeling categories require you to
create a part or assembly and answer a related question. The questions in these categories
are in multiple choice format. Questions in the Basic Modeling Theory and Drawing Theory
category and the Advanced Modeling Theory and Analysis category require a response based
on knowledge of the related topic. The questions in these categories are in multiple choice
or Yes/No format.

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Introduction to the CSWA Exam 

Figure 1.
The TesterPRO Client software interface.

Pick a view
thumbnail to
enlarge contents

Timer

There are 100 total points on the exam. You must score at least 70 points to pass the
exam and earn CSWA certification. The breakdown of questions is as follows:

CSWA Exam Breakdown

Number of
Questions
2

Points
5

Total
10

Part Modeling

30

30

Advanced Part Modeling

20

20

Assembly Modeling

30

30

Advanced Modeling Theory and Analysis

10

Category
Basic Modeling Theory and Drawing Theory

Total = 100
The exam must be completed in 180 minutes (3 hours) or less. Keep this in mind as you
prepare for the exam. The questions related to the Basic Modeling Theory and Drawing Theory
category and the Advanced Modeling Theory and Analysis category should be answered in
10 minutes or less. The questions related to the Part Modeling, Advanced Part Modeling, and
Assembly Modeling categories should be completed in 45 minutes or less. A good way to
prepare for the CSWA exam is to practice creating part and assembly models and time
yourself when doing so.

Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Introduction to the CSWA Exam 

Make sure to manage your time well when taking the exam. A good strategy is to
initially read through all of the questions when you start the exam to familiarize yourself
with the entire contents. This will help you estimate the amount of time required to complete
all of the questions. Keep in mind that you do not have to answer the questions in order.
Review the questions and answer them in a sequence that you are most comfortable with.

CSWA Exam Question Format

As previously discussed, the questions on the CSWA exam test your knowledge of topics
and theory and your modeling skills. The theory-related questions on the exam require you
to answer a multiple choice or Yes/No question. The modeling-related questions on the exam
require you to create a part or assembly in SolidWorks and then determine specific data to
answer a related multiple choice question. The following sections discuss the question types
in further detail.

Theory Questions
The theory questions on the CSWA exam test your knowledge of tools, fundamentals,
and techniques. The questions are related to three key areas:
Basic SolidWorks modeling theory
Drawing theory
Structural analysis and SimulationXpress theory
There are several ways to prepare for these questions. To prepare for questions on basic
SolidWorks modeling theory, study the modeling techniques and common tools in SolidWorks.
Study the part, drawing, and assembly modes in SolidWorks and the tools available for
working in each mode. To prepare for the questions on drawing theory, study all of the types
of drawing views that can be created in SolidWorks when working in drawing mode. Know
the tools and procedures used to create section views, auxiliary views, detail views, and
other common types of views. Chapters 8 and 9 in Learning SolidWorks 2010 introduce the
tools used for creating drawing views. Study these chapters carefully.
Questions related to structural analysis and SimulationXpress test your knowledge of
structural analysis tools and related terminology. Chapter 19 in Learning SolidWorks 2010
introduces structural analysis and SimulationXpress. Study this chapter carefully and refer
to the SolidWorks help system for additional information.
When taking the CSWA exam, you can use the SolidWorks help system to help answer a
question. The SolidWorks help system provides a comprehensive resource of information and
many illustrated examples of various topics, including drawing view generation and topics
related to SimulationXpress. Familiarize yourself with the help system and its contents.
Researching topics in the help system will help you prepare for the CSWA exam.
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NOTE
The SolidWorks software includes a number of tutorials for modeling
parts and assemblies, creating drawings, and working with analysis
tools. Tutorials specifically designed for CSWA exam preparation are
available. To access the tutorials in SolidWorks, select Help>SolidWorks
Tutorials from the Menu Bar.

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Introduction to the CSWA Exam

Modeling Questions
A typical modeling question on the CSWA exam requires you to build a model, apply
a material to the model, and then determine the mass or the center of mass of the model.
In some cases, you may be required to determine the center of mass based on a coordinate
system you create. Before starting a model, make sure you understand the requirements of
the question and construct the model accordingly. For example, you may want to orient a
part to use a certain origin location or a certain orientation of the default planes.
Modeling questions on the CSWA exam typically include a dimensioned pictorial
drawing and/or several dimensioned orthographic views. To create models accurately, you
must be able to read detail drawings and understand common drafting conventions. Study
the given views carefully and make sure you fully understand the associated information
and construction of the part.
Each modeling question typically provides you with several items of information to work
with. In most cases, the unit system and part material will be identified. The part origin will
also be identified. The origin may be identified as arbitrary or it may be specified in one
of the views. Modeling questions for assemblies typically identify the location of the origin
in one of the views.
The dimensions provided with a modeling question in the drawing views may include
variables labeled A, B, or C. The related values are provided separately from the
drawing views. You will need to use the appropriate dimensions to complete the model
correctly. The variables are used in the exam questions to make each question unique.
When completing the modeling questions, use tools such as construction geometry
and reference geometry to your advantage. Convert entities to simplify sketches whenever
possible. Utilize symmetry when appropriate. When several identical features are required, use
patterning or mirroring methods. Always strive to use the most efficient methods available
to create the model. As you model, check your work to make sure you are building the model
correctly. Apply design intent to address the requirements of the question.
The best way to prepare for the modeling questions on the CSWA exam is to practice
creating part and assembly models in SolidWorks. The examples, practices, and exercises
in Learning SolidWorks 2010 provide a variety of models for building your skills. Refer to
the tutorials available in the SolidWorks software for additional practice.

Using the TesterPRO Client Software

The TesterPRO Client software provides a number of useful tools when taking the CSWA
exam. The navigation controls at the bottom of the screen are used to page back and forth
between questions. Refer to Figure 1. Remember, you do not have to answer the questions
in order. If you need to change an answer to a question, you can reset the answer by using
the appropriate tool.
For certain questions, you may need to scroll down to display all of the instructions.
In such cases, use the scroll bar provided.
You will often need to switch between the TesterPRO Client software and SolidWorks
while completing the modeling questions on the exam. Use the [Alt][Tab] key combination
to switch between programs. In addition, when working on the modeling questions, you
will frequently need to switch between drawing views to display different details. The
TesterPRO Client software provides zooming tools to zoom into drawing views and enlarge
details.
The software interface also provides a timer at the bottom of the screen allowing you to
keep track of time as you work on the exam. Refer to Figure 1. Use the timer to keep track
of progress and ensure you allocate enough time for all of the questions.

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Introduction to the CSWA Exam

Upon completion of the exam, your answers are automatically graded by the software
and a score is generated. See Figure 2. At this point, you will learn whether you have earned
certification. If you pass the exam, you can download and print out a CSWA certificate from
the SolidWorks Certification Center at www.virtualtester.com/solidworks. See Figure 3.
Figure 2.
The TesterPRO Client
software generates your
score automatically
upon completion of
the CSWA exam.

Figure 3.
A downloadable
certificate is granted
upon passing the
CSWA exam.

Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Introduction to the CSWA Exam

Using the CSWA Exam Practice Questions

Practice questions for the CSWA exam are provided on the student Web site
(www.g-wlearning.com/CAD). The questions are identified by exam category. If needed, review
the appropriate tools or techniques to help you answer the questions.
Ands jspois a thspo
cnb angoxu ig
cuostues tre poiust
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few ousi zougosa eos
sougsgo.

NOTE
The SolidWorks Web site (www.solidworks.com) provides sample CSWA exam
questions and additional resources for preparing for the CSWA exam.

CSWA Exam Recommended Competencies

At the beginning of each chapter in the textbook, a list of recommended exam
competencies is given to identify coverage of CSWA exam topics in the chapter. As you
study each chapter, review the CSWA exam competencies to make sure you possess the
skills or knowledge associated with the chapter topics. Note that the competencies given in
the textbook serve as general guidelines and that topics addressed on the CSWA exam are
subject to change.
An expanded listing of CSWA exam recommended competencies referenced throughout
the text is available on the student Web site (www.g-wlearning.com/CAD). Correlation charts
identifying competencies in each exam category are provided. The charts can be used to
quickly locate the text chapters where the competencies are first addressed.

Summary
To earn CSWA certification, you must have a thorough knowledge of SolidWorks
modeling tools and techniques. You must understand practical applications for SolidWorks
tools. You must be able to read detail drawings and create three-dimensional models based
on the information provided. You must also be able to apply design intent when constructing
a given model or assembly. In addition, you must be able to work efficiently.
As you work through the textbook, practice using the SolidWorks tools discussed.
Practice until you are comfortable using each tool in different situations. Study models and
detail drawings and visualize how the related features are constructed. Study and master the
different tools available for sketching, creating features, creating assemblies, and creating
drawing views. The best way to prepare for the CSWA exam is to practice. The best way to
learn is to learn by doing. Keep these goals in mind as you work through the textbook.
Ands jspois a thspo
cnb angoxu ig
cuostues tre poiust
piod agousgas on
few ousi zougosa eos
sougsgo.

NOTE
The Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) exam is also available for
advanced professional certification.

Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Introduction to the CSWA Exam