Journey to the CSWP-MD

First of all, you should know that the purchased CSWP exam is divided into 3 segments, allowing you to take one at a time in any order. Note that you won't receive the CSWP certification until you pass all 3 segments.

I emphasized the word purchased because - apparently - some vouchers still offer the full "3 hours 20 minutes" exam.

So, the CSWP exam segments are as follows:

Segment 1: Part Modelling & Modification

Even though some might say it's a bit harder, the 1st segment is just like the first part of the CSWA; you'll be asked to make a model based on some drawings, then you'll be asked to modify the model, edit its dimensions, etc.

Since they are both the same, you can check the tips I mentioned in the Journey to the CSWA-MD article I posted last week.

Segment 2: Configurations & Design Tables

Here you'll be given some models and asked to make/edit/toggle between multiple configurations. Depending on the question, you might need to add a Design Table (make sure you have MS Excel installed and working fine), or just make the configurations manually.

You'll also be asked to modify a given model by rearranging its features, which means that you'll need to know the Parent/Child Relationships of the features, as well as the function of each feature.

Tip #1: While using the Rollback Bar to check out each feature's effect, obvious features (fillets, chamfers, mirrors, etc.) can be skipped to reduce time.

Tip #2: To view the Parent/Child Relationships of a specific feature, RMB >> Parent/Child, or just hover over it with Dynamic Reference Visualization turned on.

Segment 3: Assemblies

Unlike the 1st segment, the 3rd segment has more advanced assembly questions than those in the CSWA. It contains the basics (inserting components, adding standard mates, etc.), as well as advanced topics like using sub-assemblies, adding advanced mates, performing interference/collision detection and replacing components.

Another difference is that you might be asked to create a new coordinate system, then get the assembly's centre of mass relative to that coordinate system you made.

Tip #3: After you finish assembling, make sure you have no warnings or errors in your FeatureManager Design Tree.

Tip #4: Make sure the assembly is functioning properly (moving parts are free to move, fixed parts are fully defined with mates).

Exam Questions

Since Tangix TesterPro doesn’t require you to upload your CAD files, it verifies your model by asking you to extract information from the model.

For part modelling & modification, it’ll ask for the mass of the model (make sure you get the model’s material correct).

For assembling, it’ll either ask for the centre of mass of the assembly (make sure you get the assembly’s origin correct) or ask you to measure the distance/angle between 2 faces.

Resources

• SolidWorks (built-in) Tutorials

I can keep talking forever about how underrated yet helpful these tutorials are. They have step-by-step instructions, images, sample files, even a cool feature-fetcher (just like the search bar's Show Command Location) and the list keeps going...

• MySolidWorks

As the official Everything SolidWorks site, it has tons of lessons, learning paths and eCourses. All that's between you and that content is logging in, then you'll be able to check out the CSWP Prep Learning Path, as well as the CSWP Sample Exercises.

Note that you must have a Standard account to view the previous links, which is only for users on active subscription.

• Official CSWP (Segment 1) Sample Exam

You can take this sample exam by yourself (the questions are here), or in a complete exam experience through Tangix TesterPro Client.

• SolidWorks Lucas

Lucas Crupi, the world's youngest CSWE, has a playlist of 12 videos that take you from Zero to CSWP.

General SolidWorks Exam Tips

Tip #5: Make a new file for each question (Save As will come in handy).

Tip #6: Take your time to familiarize yourself with the interface, make changes to it if you want and make custom keyboard shortcuts/mouse gestures (click here to know how).

Hope you found this useful!

Stay tuned for the rest of the series