CSWA exam-day guide
CSWA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Most proctored certification exams require a current, unexpired ID with photo and signature. Confirm the exact accepted forms (passport, driver's license, national ID) with the provider and make sure the name matches your exam registration exactly.
Working SOLIDWORKS install on the exam machine
Run SOLIDWORKS a day ahead, confirm the license activates, and check which software version the exam requires or supports. Do not plan to install or update the software on exam day.
Completed system/proctoring check
If you are testing remotely, run the provider's system check (browser, webcam, microphone, bandwidth) in advance and again the morning of the exam. Confirm whether a live proctor or a virtual tester session is used.
Stable internet plus a backup connection
Use a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection and have a phone hotspot or second network ready in case the primary drops.
Quiet, well-lit, cleared workspace
Empty the desk of notes, extra monitors, and devices not permitted; make sure your face and workspace can be seen if you are webcam-proctored.
Exam appointment details and login credentials
Write down the start time in your local time zone, the exam link, your account username, and any session/access code. Log in early rather than at the last minute.
Confirmed materials policy
Scratch paper, pen, physical calculator, and whether the on-screen calculator or SOLIDWORKS Help is allowed vary by delivery method. Ask the provider what is permitted and clear anything else from your desk.
Known SOLIDWORKS unit settings
Before starting, set the document units to match the exam (commonly MMGS) and check decimal places so your numeric answers land in the expected format.
File-saving plan
Decide where you will save parts and assemblies, use unique file names per question, and save incrementally so a crash costs you minutes, not the whole question.
Notifications and background apps disabled
Close email, chat, updates, and any screen-sharing or recording tools that could interrupt the session or look like unauthorized assistance.
Water and a comfortable setup
Hydrate and use the restroom before starting; breaks during a timed exam are usually limited, so handle this in advance.
Confirmed retake and scoring policy
Know in advance the passing threshold, whether partial credit exists, and any waiting period or fee before a retake, so you can decide calmly after the exam.
Plan the day
Re-read the exam objectives and do one full-length timed practice run under exam-like conditions (same machine, same units, no interruptions). Identify your two weakest areas and drill only those. Verify your exam appointment, ID requirements, and technical setup requirements with the provider.
Practice the mechanics that cost points rather than knowledge: reading dimensions carefully, setting the correct material so mass properties are meaningful, and checking mass, volume, and center-of-mass values against your model. Confirm your software version and license are working.
Stop learning new material. Do a light review of recurring pitfalls (misread radii, wrong units, missed symmetry, forgotten fillets/chamfers, assembly mates that over-constrain). Run the system check, charge devices, gather your ID, and confirm the start time in your local time zone. Sleep on a normal schedule.
Eat, hydrate, and set up your workspace early. Launch SOLIDWORKS once to confirm it opens, then close it if the provider requires a clean start. Log in 15-20 minutes before your slot and resolve any proctor or connection issue before the clock starts.
Read the instructions and scoring notes, then skim the entire question set to see point values and difficulty. Budget time so no single question can consume more than roughly 20-25 minutes, and plan to leave 15-20 minutes at the end.
Answer the short theory and drawing questions first for quick points, then work modeling questions in order of confidence. Re-read every dimension and note the units before modeling. Build to the specified geometry, apply the stated material, and use mass properties to extract the requested value. Save often and re-verify each numeric answer before submitting it.
Stop starting new models. Revisit any flagged question, double-check units and decimal precision on numeric answers, make sure every question has a response, and submit before the time limit rather than at the last second.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID matching your registered name; without acceptable ID you may be refused entry, and the exact accepted documents should be confirmed with the provider.
Take the exam alone. Getting help from another person, using unauthorized notes or search tools, or running unapproved software is a violation that can void your result, and the permitted-resource list varies by delivery method, so confirm it in advance.
Treat the exam as timed and continuous. The clock keeps running through any break you take, and unscheduled breaks may be restricted or flagged, so handle food, water, and restroom needs before you start.
Do not attempt to record, screenshot, copy, or share exam content. The questions and drawings are confidential and sharing them can result in certification revocation.
If your connection or software fails, do not quietly keep working and hope it resolves. Contact the proctor or provider support immediately and follow their instructions so the incident is documented.
Know the scoring rules before you start: the exam is scored by question, some questions are worth more than others, and there may be no partial credit on modeling items, so accuracy on high-value questions matters most. Confirm the current passing threshold with the provider.
If you do not pass, review your weak areas before rebooking; retake eligibility, any waiting period, and fees are set by the provider and should be confirmed rather than assumed.