CSWA<X<CSWP 3

[moon161]

I've downloaded and taken sample tests for the CSWA, (no problem, and CSWP (looks like I'd need about 2x the recommended time to complete it accurately). Is the CSWA worth anything when you're looking for work, or should I just save my $100 and study for the CSWP?

 

[Eltron]

I would save your cash.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[AnnaWood]

CSWA is geared for college students to show what they know from their college courses. CSWP is for folks who have real world work experience.

Anna Wood
Core i7 EE965, FirePro V8700, 12 Gb RAM, OCZ Vertex 120 Gb SSD, Dell 3008WFP 30" Monitor
SW2010 SP2.1, Windows 7 x64

http://www.solidmuse.com

http://www.phxswug.com

 

[SteveMartin]

I don't think I've had a manager yet who knows what either of the tests are. Considering my company has hired (and very quickly let go) supposed 'solidworks experts' who likely could not have passed the CSWA, I take note if candidates have passed either test.

I think if SW is important in the openings in your area, it would be worth it to be able to have that cert. It won't make a lot of impact, but if you don't have any body of work to show your ability I would look into any outside corroboration of skills I could.

 

[uGlay]

ive met incompetent people who would wave their CSWP certificate whenever the topic came up yet were complete neanderthals when modeling, creating beasts of files that were Hell On Earth for other designers to work with.

almost the same thing as when they tell me: "he used to work for NASA" :facepalm:

SW2010 Premium SP0.0
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot

 

[rollupswx]

ive met incompetent people who would wave their CSWP certificate....]

I would not try to cast a negative light on certification. The candidate might have other negatives that outway CSWP, but in my opinion CSWP is a positive.

CSWA
CSWP

 

[SteveMartin]

That's a good point uGlay. The tests let you get away with some awful hacks while still coming up with the right answer.