Why this guide
- Built from the official SOLIDWORKS CSWP exam structure — three timed, scored modeling segments, not a multiple-choice quiz
- Segment 1 focused because later questions reuse the base part; strong design intent saves the entire exam
- Covers the exact tools tested: equations, linked values, configurations, design tables, mates, interference/collision detection, and coordinate-system mass properties
- Includes pass thresholds, retake rules, and time budgets so you walk in knowing the logistics, not just the shortcuts
- Print-ready pack: full guide plus two 1-page cheat sheets and a 1-page pocket reference for exam-day modeling flow
Who this is for
- Mechanical designers and CAD engineers preparing for the CSWP credential
- Drafters and machinists moving from CSWA to professional-level SOLIDWORKS certification
- Manufacturing technicians who model parts and assemblies in production environments
- Engineering students and recent grads building a resume-ready certification
- Self-taught SOLIDWORKS users who need a structured, segment-by-segment prep plan
What you'll learn
- Segment 1 — Part Modeling from a Drawing (70 min, 75 of 105 points to pass): build a parametric part from a drawing, linked dimensions and equations, design-intent updates, mass property analysis
- Segment 2 — Configurations and Design Tables (50 min, 77 of 104 points to pass): create and modify configurations from other configurations, configure features and dimensions, Excel design tables, mass properties per configuration
- Segment 3 — Assembly Modeling (80 min, 77 of 109 points to pass): insert parts and sub-assemblies, replace components, standard and advanced mates, collision and interference detection, coordinate systems for mass properties analysis
- Sketching and features: lines, arcs, circles, rectangles, slots, ellipses, offset/trim/convert, extrudes, revolves, sweeps, lofts, fillets, chamfers, drafts, shells, holes, ribs, mirrors, linear/circular/fill patterns
- Multi-body and reference geometry: multi-body parts, feature scope, reference planes, axes, coordinate systems, mate references, design tables
- Materials and analysis: material assignment, density-driven mass properties, center-of-mass from a selected coordinate system
- Exam logistics: 3 hours 20 minutes total across all three segments, 14-day waiting period between retakes, segments can be taken in any order and only failed segments must be repurchased
What you're getting
- 6 printable PDFs: cover, course notice, full study guide, two condensed cheat sheets, and an exam-day pocket card.
- Content built from the public syllabus and real test-taker accounts.
- No fake "actual exam" content — honest, source-cited study aids.
"Segment 1 is the hardest and most time-pressed; you must build the initial part with strong design intent because later questions reuse it."
— paraphrased from public test-taker accounts