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CSWA practice questions

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Question 1Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

In SOLIDWORKS, what color indicates a fully defined sketch?

  1. Blue
  2. Yellow
  3. Black Correct answer.
  4. Red

Explanation

SOLIDWORKS uses color to show sketch status: fully defined entities are black, underdefined entities are blue, and conflicting or overdefined entities are flagged in yellow or red. A black sketch has no remaining degrees of freedom.

Question 2Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch relation makes two line endpoints share the same point?

  1. Parallel relation
  2. Equal relation
  3. Coincident Correct answer.
  4. Tangent relation

Explanation

A coincident relation forces two points to occupy the same location, such as the endpoints of two connected lines. Parallel controls direction, tangent controls contact, and equal controls size.

Question 3Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

How many default reference planes are available in a new SOLIDWORKS part?

  1. 1
  2. 3 Correct answer.
  3. 2
  4. 6

Explanation

A new part contains three default reference planes: Front, Top, and Right. These planes provide the initial sketch planes and reference geometry for the model.

Question 4Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch tool projects selected model edges into the active sketch?

  1. Trim Entities command
  2. Mirror Entities command
  3. Offset Entities command
  4. Convert Entities Correct answer.

Explanation

Convert Entities creates sketch entities on the active sketch plane from selected model edges, faces, or curves. Offset Entities creates a parallel copy at a distance, while Mirror and Trim modify existing sketch geometry.

Question 5Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which tool is used to add a driving dimension to a sketch?

  1. Trim Entities
  2. Sketch Fillet
  3. Smart Dimension Correct answer.
  4. Linear Sketch Pattern

Explanation

Smart Dimension creates dimensions that drive sketch geometry, setting length, angle, radius, or distance. Fillet, Trim, and Pattern are editing tools that do not establish driving dimensions.

Question 6Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature adds material by extending a sketch perpendicular to its plane?

  1. Revolved Boss/Base feature
  2. Extruded Cut
  3. Shell
  4. Extruded Boss/Base Correct answer.

Explanation

Extruded Boss/Base adds material by sweeping a closed sketch profile normal to the sketch plane to a specified depth or end condition. Extruded Cut removes material, Revolved Boss rotates a profile, and Shell hollows a solid.

Question 7Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What is the role of a construction line in a sketch?

  1. Adds material when the sketch is extruded
  2. Serves as reference geometry only Correct answer.
  3. Creates a closed contour automatically
  4. Removes material from the solid

Explanation

Construction geometry is ignored when SOLIDWORKS builds a profile for a feature. It is used for relations, mirror lines, pattern directions, and other sketch references.

Question 8Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which tool removes sketch segments between intersections?

  1. Extend Entities
  2. Trim Entities Correct answer.
  3. Mirror Entities
  4. Offset Entities

Explanation

Trim Entities shortens, removes, or extends sketch geometry based on intersections with other entities. Extend lengthens entities, Offset creates parallel copies, and Mirror reflects geometry.

Question 9Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

A sketch entity appears blue in SOLIDWORKS. What does this mean?

  1. It is underdefined Correct answer.
  2. It has a conflicting relation
  3. It is a construction line
  4. It is fully defined

Explanation

Blue sketch entities are underdefined, meaning they still have degrees of freedom and can move or resize. Fully defined entities are black, while conflicting conditions are flagged in yellow or red.

Question 10Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch relation sets two circles to the same diameter?

  1. Equal Correct answer.
  2. Symmetric
  3. Tangent
  4. Concentric

Explanation

The Equal relation makes selected entities equal in size, so two circles become the same diameter. Concentric shares a center point, tangent makes entities touch, and symmetric mirrors entities about a line.

Question 11Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which end condition extends a cut through the entire model regardless of depth?

  1. Blind
  2. Up to Next Face
  3. Offset from Surface
  4. Through All Correct answer.

Explanation

Through All continues the feature through all geometry in the specified direction, so no depth value limits the cut. Blind uses a set depth, Up to Next stops at the next surface, and Offset from Surface uses a surface-relative depth.

Question 12Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What does the Mid Plane end condition do for an extruded feature?

  1. Extrudes through the entire model in both directions
  2. Extrudes equally on both sides of the sketch plane Correct answer.
  3. Extrudes until it reaches the next surface
  4. Extrudes to a specified depth on one side only

Explanation

Mid Plane divides the specified depth equally on both sides of the sketch plane. This is useful when the sketch plane should remain at the center of the feature.

Question 13Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What inputs does the Sketch Fillet tool require?

  1. A reference plane and a single sketch point
  2. A radius and two intersecting sketch entities Correct answer.
  3. A single closed contour with no open ends
  4. A diameter and three separate sketch entities

Explanation

Sketch Fillet rounds a corner between two sketch entities and requires a fillet radius. The entities should meet at a corner so the fillet can replace that corner with an arc.

Question 14Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch tool repeats selected entities around a center point?

  1. Mirror Entities command
  2. Linear Sketch Pattern tool
  3. Offset Entities command
  4. Circular Sketch Pattern Correct answer.

Explanation

Circular Sketch Pattern repeats selected sketch entities about a center point using a count and angle or spacing. Linear Sketch Pattern repeats along a direction, Mirror reflects, and Offset creates parallel copies.

Question 15Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature removes material by moving a profile along a path?

  1. Swept Cut Correct answer.
  2. Swept Boss/Base
  3. Lofted Boss/Base
  4. Revolved Cut

Explanation

Swept Cut moves a profile along a path and removes material from the solid. Swept Boss/Base adds material, Lofted Boss blends profiles, and Revolved Cut rotates a profile about an axis.

Question 16Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature hollows a solid and leaves a uniform wall thickness?

  1. Draft
  2. Shell Correct answer.
  3. Wrap
  4. Rib

Explanation

Shell removes selected faces and offsets the remaining faces inward or outward by a specified thickness, creating a hollow part with uniform walls. Draft adds taper, Rib adds a thin support, and Wrap deforms or adds material on faces.

Question 17Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which command path creates a new reference plane offset from an existing plane?

  1. Sketch Entities > Centerline
  2. Evaluate > Mass Properties
  3. Insert > Features > Extruded Cut
  4. Reference Geometry > Plane Correct answer.

Explanation

A reference plane is created through Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane by selecting an existing plane or face and specifying an offset distance or other constraint. This gives a new sketch plane without modifying the solid.

Question 18Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What does dragging the rollback bar upward in the FeatureManager do?

  1. Rolls the model back to an earlier state Correct answer.
  2. Creates a new drawing view automatically
  3. Deletes every feature above the bar
  4. Changes the material of the part

Explanation

The rollback bar temporarily suppresses features below its position so you can inspect or work on an earlier state of the model. Moving it back down restores the suppressed features; it does not delete them.

Question 19Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What does the Mirror Entities tool require?

  1. A closed contour with no open ends
  2. A reference axis combined with a pattern seed
  3. A center point only
  4. A line or edge used as the mirror Correct answer.

Explanation

Mirror Entities reflects selected sketch entities about a mirror line, which can be a sketch line, construction line, or model edge. The mirror entity defines the axis of reflection.

Question 20Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which end condition extends a feature until it reaches a selected solid body?

  1. Blind
  2. Up to Body Correct answer.
  3. Through All
  4. Up to Next

Explanation

Up to Body terminates the feature at a selected solid body, which is useful when multiple bodies exist. Blind uses a depth, Through All passes through all geometry, and Up to Next stops at the next surface.

Question 21Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

A sketch appears yellow and shows a warning that dimensions or relations conflict. What does this indicate?

  1. The sketch is overdefined Correct answer.
  2. The sketch has only construction geometry
  3. The sketch is underdefined
  4. The sketch is fully defined

Explanation

An overdefined sketch contains redundant or conflicting dimensions and relations, so SOLIDWORKS flags it and prevents it from being used normally until the conflict is resolved. Fully defined sketches are black, and underdefined sketches are blue.

Question 22Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

In the FeatureManager design tree, a fillet that references an earlier extrude is considered what to that extrude?

  1. Derived
  2. Child Correct answer.
  3. Parent
  4. Base

Explanation

A feature that depends on an earlier feature is a child of that earlier feature. The earlier extrude is the parent, so suppressing or deleting the parent can affect the child fillet.

Question 23Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch/profile condition is required to create a thin extruded feature?

  1. A closed profile with a single contour
  2. An open profile with a wall thickness Correct answer.
  3. A closed profile with two separate contours
  4. A sketch containing only construction geometry

Explanation

A thin feature extrudes an open profile and adds a specified wall thickness around it. Closed profiles are used for standard solid extrusions, while construction-only sketches do not provide a usable profile.

Question 24Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which SOLIDWORKS tool creates a mathematical relationship between dimensions and global variables?

  1. Configuration
  2. Tolerance
  3. Smart Dimension
  4. Equations Correct answer.

Explanation

Equations link dimensions to global variables or to other dimensions so the model updates when the controlling value changes. Tolerance controls allowable variation, while configurations manage alternate model states.

Question 25Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What is required for a Revolved Boss/Base feature?

  1. A sketch containing only construction lines and points
  2. A closed profile and an axis it does not cross Correct answer.
  3. An open profile and a linear path
  4. Two closed profiles and a guide curve

Explanation

Revolve sweeps a closed profile about an axis of revolution, and the profile must not cross that axis. The axis can be a centerline, sketch line, or model edge.

Question 26Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch relation forces two line segments to lie along the same infinite straight line?

  1. Tangent
  2. Collinear Correct answer.
  3. Concentric
  4. Parallel

Explanation

The Collinear relation makes two or more line segments share one infinite line, so both their direction and their offset match. Parallel only matches direction, so the lines may sit apart from each other.

Question 27Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch tool projects selected model edges onto the active sketch plane so they can be used as sketch geometry?

  1. Offset Entities
  2. Convert Entities Correct answer.
  3. Trim Entities
  4. Sketch Chamfer

Explanation

Convert Entities copies the chosen model edges into the active sketch as on-edge entities that follow the model if it changes. Offset Entities instead creates new parallel geometry at a typed distance.

Question 28Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

A sketch dimension displayed in parentheses, such as (25.00), is which type of dimension?

  1. A reference (driven) dimension Correct answer.
  2. An ordinate dimension
  3. A driving dimension
  4. A baseline dimension

Explanation

Parentheses indicate a reference, or driven, dimension that reports the current size of the geometry but cannot be edited to change it. A driving dimension is the one that actually controls the geometry.

Question 29Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature adds a thin, raised web of material to stiffen a part, typically built from an open sketch?

  1. Shell
  2. Rib Correct answer.
  3. Wrap
  4. Draft

Explanation

The Rib feature extrudes an open profile, usually spanning between two existing faces, to form a thin stiffening web defined by a thickness value. It does not require a closed section.

Question 30Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What is the primary role of the Origin in a part document?

  1. It stores the document's unit system and decimal places.
  2. It records the center of mass of the finished model.
  3. It defines the default material assigned to the part.
  4. It provides a fixed reference point where the three default planes intersect. Correct answer.

Explanation

The Origin sits where the Front, Top, and Right planes meet and acts as the anchor for sketches, dimensions, and the model coordinate system. Sketches are normally related to it.

Question 31Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature repeats a selected feature around an axis at equal angular spacing?

  1. Linear pattern
  2. Mirror
  3. Circular pattern Correct answer.
  4. Table-driven pattern

Explanation

A circular pattern copies the seed feature around a chosen axis, spacing instances by an angle or fitting equal spacing over a total angle. Linear patterns repeat along a straight direction instead.

Question 32Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature replaces a sharp edge with a flat, angled face?

  1. Shell
  2. Fillet
  3. Dome
  4. Chamfer Correct answer.

Explanation

A chamfer cuts an angled flat across an edge, defined by distance-angle or distance-distance values. A fillet produces a rounded face instead of a flat one.

Question 33Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

In the Hole Wizard, which hole type has a flat-bottomed cylindrical recess that lets a socket head fastener sit below the surface?

  1. Straight tap hole
  2. Simple hole
  3. Countersink hole
  4. Counterbore hole Correct answer.

Explanation

A counterbore hole includes a cylindrical recess with a flat bottom sized for a socket head cap screw so the head sits flush or recessed. A countersink uses a conical recess instead.

Question 34Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

You activate Smart Dimension and click two parallel lines. What does SOLIDWORKS create?

  1. An angular dimension between the lines
  2. A tolerance-only note with no value
  3. A dimension giving the perpendicular distance between the lines Correct answer.
  4. A radius dimension for the longer line

Explanation

Smart Dimension infers the dimension type from the entities you click; for two parallel lines it reports the perpendicular distance between them. Angular dimensions appear only when the selected lines are not parallel.

Question 35Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which sketch tool creates new sketch entities at a specified distance from selected sketch entities or model edges?

  1. Sketch Pattern
  2. Convert Entities
  3. Mirror Entities
  4. Offset Entities Correct answer.

Explanation

Offset Entities generates a parallel copy of the chosen geometry at a set distance, optionally as a chained set. Convert Entities copies edges with no offset at all.

Question 36Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which combination of entities is required to apply a Symmetric relation?

  1. Two lines and a driving dimension
  2. One entity and the sketch Origin
  3. Two sketch entities and a centerline used as the axis Correct answer.
  4. Three arcs and a point

Explanation

A Symmetric relation needs the two entities that mirror each other plus a centerline (or line) about which they are mirrored. The two entities are then driven to be equal in size and mirrored in position.

Question 37Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which feature blends through two or more profiles located on different planes to create a smooth transition?

  1. Sweep
  2. Revolve
  3. Extrude
  4. Loft Correct answer.

Explanation

A Loft builds a solid by transitioning through a series of profiles placed on different planes or faces. A sweep instead drives a single profile along a path.

Question 38Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

You want an extruded boss to stop exactly at an existing corner point on the model. Which end condition should you choose?

  1. Up To Next
  2. Mid Plane
  3. Up To Vertex Correct answer.
  4. Blind

Explanation

Up To Vertex extends the feature until it reaches the selected vertex or point, so the depth is driven by that point's location. Blind instead requires a typed numeric depth.

Question 39Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What does adding a draft angle to an extruded boss do?

  1. Offsets the sketch before extruding it
  2. Splits the extrusion into two separate bodies
  3. Tapers the side walls of the extrusion by a set angle Correct answer.
  4. Rounds the edges of the extrusion

Explanation

Draft tapers the walls of the extrusion relative to the extrude direction, which is typically needed for molded or cast parts. The taper can act inward or outward depending on the angle sign and the draft-outward setting.

Question 40Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which fillet type replaces the edge and both adjacent faces with a single continuous rounded surface, leaving no flat strip of the original faces?

  1. Constant size fillet
  2. Full round fillet Correct answer.
  3. Variable size fillet
  4. Face fillet

Explanation

A full round fillet consumes the edge and both adjacent faces entirely, so the result is one continuous rounded surface. A face fillet rounds between two selected faces but leaves part of both faces intact.

Question 41Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

In the Hole Wizard, what does the cosmetic thread setting on a straight tap hole control?

  1. The thread pitch used for the tap drill
  2. Whether thread callout detail is shown without modeling real helical thread geometry Correct answer.
  3. The diameter of the tap drill
  4. The drill depth of the hole

Explanation

Tapped holes created by the Hole Wizard produce a simple drilled hole plus a cosmetic thread annotation; the helical thread form is not modeled as geometry. The cosmetic thread appears in drawings and annotations.

Question 42Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

In a linear pattern you want all positions except one specific instance. Which control achieves this within the same feature?

  1. Curve driven
  2. Vary sketch
  3. Geometry pattern
  4. Skipped instances Correct answer.

Explanation

The Instances to Skip control deactivates individual pattern positions while the remaining instances stay part of the single pattern feature. The other options change how instances are built, not which positions exist.

Question 43Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

What happens when you suppress a feature instead of deleting it?

  1. The feature is removed and any references to it are lost.
  2. The feature is switched off temporarily but stays in the tree and can be unsuppressed. Correct answer.
  3. The feature is converted into a reference plane.
  4. The feature is relocated to the bottom of the FeatureManager tree.

Explanation

Suppressing a feature turns it off so the model rebuilds as though it were absent, while the feature and its sketch remain in the tree for later restoration. Deleting removes it permanently and can break dependent features.

Question 44Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which item can serve as the mirror plane for the Mirror feature?

  1. Only a planar face on the model
  2. Only the Front plane
  3. Any reference plane or planar face Correct answer.
  4. Only a sketch line inside a sketch

Explanation

The Mirror feature reflects the selected features, faces, or bodies about a plane, and that plane may be a reference plane or any planar face of the model. A sketch line is used only when mirroring sketch entities.

Question 45Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

A single sketch contains three separate closed profiles, and you want to extrude only one of them. Which Extrude option lets you choose that profile?

  1. Thin Feature
  2. Draft
  3. Selected Contours Correct answer.
  4. Merge result

Explanation

The Selected Contours option opens a selection box in the Extrude PropertyManager where you pick exactly which closed regions of the sketch are used. Without it, SOLIDWORKS extrudes every closed region it finds.

Question 46Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

You clear Merge result while extruding a boss onto an existing solid body. What is the outcome?

  1. The extrusion fails because the two volumes overlap.
  2. The existing body is replaced by the new extrusion.
  3. The extrusion is automatically converted into a cut feature.
  4. The new extrusion becomes a separate solid body in the same part. Correct answer.

Explanation

With Merge result cleared, SOLIDWORKS keeps the extruded volume as its own body even where it overlaps existing geometry, producing a multibody part. Leaving Merge result selected fuses the overlapping volumes into one body.

Question 47Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

You need a new reference plane tilted 30 degrees from an existing planar face and hinged on an existing edge of that face. Which approach creates it?

  1. Insert a reference axis and type 30 degrees in the axis definition.
  2. Offset the existing face by a typed distance and then rotate the entire model.
  3. Choose the plane command, set the reference entity to the edge and the reference face, and apply At Angle with 30 degrees. Correct answer.
  4. Draw a 3D sketch on the face and extrude it at a 30 degree draft.

Explanation

The Plane property manager offers an At Angle option in which you select an existing reference (a face or plane) plus an edge or axis to act as the hinge, then type the angle. This produces a plane rotated about that edge.

Question 48Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

For a Swept Boss/Base, what geometric condition must the profile satisfy with respect to the path?

  1. The profile must remain parallel to the path along its whole length.
  2. The profile must be a closed circle.
  3. The profile must intersect the path, or lie on a plane that the path pierces. Correct answer.
  4. The profile must have a larger cross-section than the path.

Explanation

A sweep starts from the point where the path pierces the plane of the profile, so the path must meet that plane for the feature to resolve. Any closed profile shape is acceptable as long as the path intersects it.

Question 49Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

Which pattern option rebuilds instances quickly by copying the resulting faces of the seed rather than re-evaluating the feature at every position?

  1. Geometry pattern Correct answer.
  2. Vary sketch
  3. Instances to skip
  4. Direction 2

Explanation

Geometry pattern replicates the faces produced by the seed feature without solving the feature again for each instance, which rebuilds faster. The trade-off is that all instances must be identical and some geometry types will not pattern this way.

Question 50Sketching and Basic Part Modeling

An extruded boss uses the Up To Surface end condition and references a face of another body. You later move that face. What happens on rebuild?

  1. The extrusion keeps its original length until the depth is edited by hand.
  2. The extrusion fails and must be deleted and recreated.
  3. The referenced face is automatically returned to its original position.
  4. The extrusion rebuilds so it terminates at the new position of the referenced face. Correct answer.

Explanation

End conditions that reference other geometry create a parent-child link, so the feature rebuilds against the current location of that geometry. Moving the referenced face therefore changes the finished length of the extrusion.