Technology and Procedural Questions

 

Q1:   Do I need an internet connection to take the CSWA/CSWP?

A1:   Yes. For the entire time you are testing, you need to have an internet connection.

Q2:   What is the policy on retaking the CSWA/CSWP?

A2:   There is a 30-day waiting period before retaking the same exam.

Q3:   Why is my name not showing on the directory?

A3:   SolidWorks has not launched the new directory technology as of yet. The new directory technology will allow users to elect whether or not they appear on the directory (since this is personal information being shared in a public manner).  Expected launch date: April 2008

Q4:   Can I pause the exam?

A4:   No. Once started, exams can not be paused.

Q5:   Will I receive one certificate if I pass two or more exams?

A5:   No, you will receive certificates for each exam that you pass.

Q6:   Can I buy an exam in bulk numbers and then distribute it to my employees?

A6:   Yes. You are allowed to purchase exams in bulk on our webstore, then transfer testing credits to users of your choice in the form of a 'voucher'. To create vouchers from your bulk purchase, log into your virtualtester account and follow the simple instructions: www.virtualtester.com/solidworks/user.php

Q7:   I took the old CSWP exam before Oct 1st, 2007? Where is my certificate?

A7:   All users who took the CSWP exam before Oct 1st, 2007 are able to electronically view and print their certificates.  Instructions were sent to your original email.

Q8:   How do I take the exam?

A8:   Refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp for more information.

Q9:   I took the exam and my internet connection failed when the test ended. How do I report my results now?

A9:   The tester software will retry to connect for ~2 minutes. If the connection is still not available, an error message will be displayed and a TXT file will be saved on your desktop. The name of the file is: Tangix_TesterPro_Error_Date_Time.
Please send this file to support@tangix.com

Q10:   Can I discuss my results with someone at SolidWorks in case I failed?

A10:   You can discuss your exam with an authorized training and support provider.

Q11:   Where can I report technical issues and enhancement requests regarding the testing software?

A11:   Send an email to support@tangix.com

Q12:   I do not use SolidWorks. Can I still take the exam with an evaluation copy of SolidWorks?

A12:   Yes. But you will have to get the evaluation version from one of the SolidWorks resellers in your area.

Q13:   I do not use COSMOS but I have SolidWorks. Can I take the advanced COSMOS exams using an evaluation copy?

A13:   Yes. Please contact your SolidWorks reseller for an evaluation copy of COSMOS

Q14:   Is the test available offline?

A14:   No. Standalone versions are not supported.

Q15:   Are there any validation tools to verify the authenticity of a certificate?

A15:   Yes. Each certificate has a unique ID that can be validated to prove the authenticity of the certificate, refer to the instructions on www.virtualtester.com/solidworks

Q16:   Are there any proving grounds that SolidWorks offers to test a person who claims to have a CSWP certification ?

A16:   We are currently working on a plan to implement a proving ground. Please stay tuned…

Q17:   Which commercial version of the software should I use to take the CSWP exams?

A17:   For all exams, excepting for Advanced - COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist and COSMOSMotion Specialist, you can use any version of SolidWorks 2005 and higher. For the COSMOS exams, version 2007 or higher is required.

Q18:   I use a student/educational edition of the software. Can I still take this exam?

A18:   Yes. SolidWorks 2006 or higher

Q19:   What steps do I need to do to officially take the exam?

A19:   If you are on subscription, create a customer portal login account. Refer to http://customercenter.solidworks.com

  If you are not on subscription, follow steps to accessing our webstore. Refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp

 

Q20:   What is the minimum screen resolution needed to take an exam?

A20:   1024x768 in the minimum, however we strongly recommend using a higher resolution to save you time from switching between the tester window and SolidWorks. With a higher resolution you can work with both applications in front of you, side by side – a far more productive way to take our hands-on examinations.

Q21:   Which internet browser can I use ?

A21:   Windows Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Q22:   Will the test work over a dial-up connection?

A22:   Yes, you can take the test using a dial-up modem, but the performance will be slower. For an optimal experience, tests must be taken using a broadband connection, such as DSL or a cable modem.

Q23:   Will my answers be lost if my computer crashes?

Will I lose my testing credit/have to pay again if my computer crashes?

A23:   You will have to start the examination over and no refund will be available.

Once you click ‘take exam’ your exam credit will be redeemed and we cannot refund your payment or voucher.  If you computer crashes, your answers are not recoverable.

Q24:   I did not pass the exam, can I review where I went wrong?

A24:  Due the complexity of an online testing environment, where every candidate receives a unique exam, we are unable to provide individuals with hands on analysis of improvement areas in their exam.  However, we can encourage you to visit our public website, where you will find
a list of exam topics that you should be proficient in for each exam.

Q25:   Do I need Excel on my computer during the exam?

A25: No. Design Tables are not a requirement, but a user should be familiar with the general functionality and advantages of using design tables in their work.

Q26:   How do I download my certificate?

A26:   Follow the instructions that were automatically emailed to you when you completed your certification exam. Visit www.virtualtester.com/solidworks/user.php and click on 'Print Your Certificate.", enter your testing email and password.

Q27:   I purchased an exam through the webstore correctly, but have not received any further emails regarding the instructions and login info needed to take the exam.

A27:   Exam instructions are sent by virtualtester.com.  Please check your Spam filter settings and security levels in your email accounts to allow this trusted sender: orders@virtualtester.com

Q28:   I have purchased my second exam, and not received login info or instructions.

A28:    Once virtualtester.com has created your online testing account, there is no need to issue you a new login and password each time you decide to take a new exam.  Keep your original account login and password and begin your exam using the virtual tester client.

Otherwise visit www.virtualtester.com/solidworks/user.php  and click 'Recover lost password"

Q29:    I made a mistake on the webstore and purchased the CSWA when I wanted to purchase the CSWP.  What can I do?

A29:    Send an email to certification@solidworks.com

Q30:   When I took the exam, I entered ',' for every decimal place, not "."

Is this okay?

A30:    The client test software uses the decimal point separator setting under Control Panel--> Regional & Language options-->Customize-->Decimal symbol. If you use a decimal point separator different from the above setting, it will not be accepted in the answer field. If you feel that you have still experienced a virtualtester client problem regarding this, send an email to support@tangix.com

Q31:   Can I copy and paste values from a SolidWorks window to the test software window?

A31:   We strongly recommend that you type in the values while answering the questions. The reason being that the system settings (decimal seperator) on your computer may result in the deletion of the decimal point seperator when you copy and paste values from the SolidWorks window to the test software window. Also see Q30.

Note for takers: please carefully check the spelling of your name/email address when starting a test. Since that information will be used to define your account and release your certificates.

General Program Questions:

 

Q1:   What is Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) exam?

A2:   The CSWP exam is a comprehensive, non-proctored online exam that tests an individual’s ability to design and analyze parametric parts and movable assemblies using a variety of complex features in SolidWorks, including design validation tools. A Certified SolidWorks Professional is an individual that has successfully passed this exam.

Q2:   What is the vision / goal of the CSWP exam?

A2:   The goal of the Certified SolidWorks Professional Program is that it establishes an Industry standard by which SolidWorks professionals are evaluated. This evaluation is completed using a fair, comprehensive test of your knowledge of SolidWorks both in the areas of Mechanical Design and Design Validation. Completing the evaluation will accomplish two goals. First, on an individual level, achieving certification establishes you as a highly competent professional in the use of SolidWorks. Second, for the hiring managers, acts as a valuable assessment to attest for the individual’s competency, thereby reducing the amount of time and energy required to research prospective candidates.

Q3:   What are the different CSWP exams available?

A3:   Refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp for more information

Q4:   What does it cost to take the CSWA/CSWP?

A4:   Refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp for more information

Q5:   What is the format of the CSWP exams?

A5:   All the CSWP exams are hands- on challenges (COSMOSWorks Designer and COSMOSMotion also include a few questions requiring hand calculations).

Q6:   In what languages are the exams available?

A6:   The CSWP/CSWA exams are available in the following languages:

English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese - Simplified. Korean, Japanese, Traditional Chinese

Q7:   How do I prepare for the CSWP exams?

A7:   Refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp for more information

Q8:   I am a current CSWP. Do I need to take the new CSWP Core exam again?

A8:   No. The only exams you would need to take would be the advanced specialist exams, if interested.

Q9:   What do I receive when I pass the exam?

A9:   You receive an email that directs you to our electronic certificate access page. There you can login and download your electronic certificate(s) and electronic business card logo(s); CSWPs alse received discounts to partner products and SolidWorks World events. For more information refer to www.solidworks.com/cswp

Q10:   Can I take the exam through my reseller?

A10:   Yes. If you would like to take the exam at a reseller location (away from household/business distractions) then simply ask your reseller if they have available space for you.