SOLIDWORKS certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates real-world CAD skills using SOLIDWORKS. It’s widely trusted by students, educators, and employers to confirm job-ready design proficiency across engineering, manufacturing, and product development.
This guide answers the most common questions about SOLIDWORKS certification, including certification levels, preparation steps, timelines, and long-term value.
A SOLIDWORKS certification is a professional CAD certification that proves proficiency in essential design workflows, including part modeling, assemblies, drawings, and advanced concepts such asconfigurations and design intent.
These certifications are built around real-world design scenarios, not just software navigation, so learners demonstrate skills they can apply immediately in academic or professional environments.
SOLIDWORKS certification is especially valuable for:
Yes. SOLIDWORKS certifications are valuable credentials for students and career professionals.
They:
For employers, certification provides reassurance that a candidate understands professional design standards, not just classroom theory.
For college and technical students, SOLIDWORKS certification bridges the gap between coursework and industry expectations. It demonstrates applied knowledge in engineering, manufacturing, and collaborative design workflows.
Many academic programs integrate certification directly into coursework, allowing students to graduate with credentials already earned, accelerating career readiness and confidence.
CAD certification for high school students is becoming a cornerstone of STEM and CTE programs.
Key benefits include:
Academic certification programs are structured to support younger learners with guided instruction and measurable outcomes.
To earn a SOLIDWORKS certification, most candidates follow this path:
Gain hands-on experience using SOLIDWORKS through training classes provided by CADimensions and in SolidProfessor.
Start with the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA)
Certification exams are covered in a 3DEXPERIENCE and SOLIDWORKS subscription, both under the Essentials and the Elite subscription plans.
Many students can access free or discounted exams through their educational institution.
The SOLIDWORKS Accredited Educator certification is designed for instructors who teach SOLIDWORKS in academic settings and want to validate both technical expertise and teaching proficiency.
This professional development credential:
Becoming a SOLIDWORKS Accredited Educator signals to students and institutions that you are equipped to deliver industry-relevant design education.
To become a SOLIDWORKS Accredited Educator, candidates complete the following steps:
Apply to become an Academic Certification Provider*
Note: If you are already CSWA certified, you only need to take and pass the Technology Educator Competency Exam (TECE).
SOLIDWORKS offers a tiered certification structure that supports skill growth over time.
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA)
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP)
Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE)
Specialty Certifications
This structure allows learners to build credentials as their skills and career goals evolve.
For most students and professionals:
The right certification depends on experience level and future goals.
Timelines vary based on experience:
SOLIDWORKS certifications are designed to integrate naturally into learning environments without disrupting existing curricula.
No. SOLIDWORKS certifications do notexpire.
Once earned, they remain valid. Many professionals choose to pursue higher-level certifications as their skills grow and technology evolves.
To earn the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA):
Most students prepare successfully within 3–6 months through structured coursework or guided training.
Yes. SOLIDWORKS certification is valuable for industrial designers, particularly those working in:
Certification demonstrates a strong understanding of both form and function—an essential combination in modern design.
The most effective preparation includes:
Academic certification pathways often providethe most efficient and confidence-building preparation for students.
Yes. SOLIDWORKS certification exams are included with an active 3DEXPERIENCE and SOLIDWORKS Subscription, in both the Essentials and Elite plans.
Each seat of SOLIDWORKS on Subscription Service includes certification exam vouchers, making it easier to earn credentials without additional exam fees.
What’s included per subscription seat:
SOLIDWORKS certification supports long-term success by:
By building these skills today, learners are better equipped to design the products, processes, and innovations of tomorrow.
Students, educators, and organizations can partner with CADimensions to explore training and certification pathways that turn learning into real-world impact. Because tomorrow is designed today.