SOLIDWORKS 2017-23 :Become a Certified Associate Today-CSWA Course Syllabus

This comprehensive, project-driven course is designed to take beginners from zero to proficient in SOLIDWORKS 2017–2023, aligning with the CSWA certification exam objectives. Spanning approximately 9 hours of hands-on learning, the curriculum progresses from interface navigation and sketching fundamentals to part modeling, assembly, documentation, and configuration management. Each module integrates real-world design practices, ensuring learners build a portfolio-ready understanding of mechanical design workflows. The course concludes with a final project synthesizing all core skills.

Module 1: Getting Started & Interface Overview

Estimated time: 1 hour

• User interface layout and navigation
• Command Manager and Feature Manager Tree
• View controls and display settings
• Customizing workspace and opening sample files

Module 2: Sketching Fundamentals

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

• Sketch entities: lines, circles, arcs
• Applying geometric relations
• Using smart dimensions
• Creating fully defined sketches

Module 3: Basic 3D Features

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Extrude Boss/Base and Extruded Cut
• Revolve Boss/Base for rotational features
• Loft and Sweep features for complex shapes
• Modeling multi-feature components

Module 4: Assemblies & Mates

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

• Inserting components into assemblies
• Applying standard mates: coincident, concentric, distance
• Building subassemblies
• Running motion study and interference detection

Module 5: Engineering Drawings & Documentation

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

• Creating base and projected drawing views
• Adding dimensions and annotations
• Detailed view creation (e.g., section, detail views)
• Generating bills of materials (BOMs)

Module 6: Configurations & Design Tables

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Setting up part configurations
• Creating design tables using Excel
• Automating part variants
• Managing multiple configurations

Module 7: Sheet Metal & Basic Surfacing

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Sheet metal features: base flange, bends, edge flanges
• Modeling a sheet metal bracket
• Creating basic surface patches
• Trimming and modifying surfaces

Module 8: Final Project

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Design a two-part clamp assembly from concept
• Model parts with proper design intent and relations
• Assemble components and verify motion and clearances
• Create detailed 2D drawings with dimensions and BOM
• Use configurations to manage design variations

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Familiarity with Windows operating system
• No prior CAD experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Navigate the SOLIDWORKS interface confidently
• Create parametric 3D models from 2D sketches
• Assemble and validate mechanical components using mates
• Generate industry-standard engineering drawings
• Prepare for the CSWA certification exam