SW Certification 1

[ctopher]

I am looking into testing for SolidWorks Certification. My boss said he thinks it is more for my benifit and he does not see a benifit for the company. Therefore the company probably will not repay me for the cost. Has anyone run into this issue? If you are certified, what are the benifits for your company? My VAR didn't have much of an answer other than it will look good on my resume and my name will be posted on a web site. I plan on going for certification anyway. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

 

[SBaugh]

Good luck!

My company (at the time) thought is was great that they could have a certified SW user in the company. It gave them bragging rights. At the time I took and passed my certification I was only the 2nd person in my state (Indiana) to get it. I have to say since I have had it, it does give me some respect from other users and employers. I believe that having it helped me get the job I have today.

There really isn't anything that I can think of that would benefit the company by you getting it, other than bragging rights. But with those braggign rights they could show your customers that your company doesn't hire just anyone when they work for your company. It would show your customers that your company looks at getting skilled, and educated people and to continue that education of it's employees, for the job(s) that makes them their products. (I hope that made since?) That IMO that would be a large benefit to the company.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[ctopher]

Thanks Scott. Just curious, did your company reimburse you same as a college reimbursement?

 

[SBaugh]

They paid for it. Didn't cost me a dime. But not less than a year later they had to get rid of me due to the bombings and economy. I still didn't have to pay.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[MattP]

Is there any info available anywhere on what the test covers? Sample tests perhaps? I'm interested in getting certified as well.

Matt

 

[SBaugh]

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/Training/CSWP.html

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[rockguy]

I'm also certified. I'm lucky in the fact that my employer dosen't mind paying for training, solidworks world, certification, etc. I'm not sure it really benefits them (my empoloyer) but as Scott said it does give you some bragging rights and some respect from other users.

The test is lengthy. I actually felt the test wasn't extremely difficult. If you have a good understanding of SW and you know the topics covered in both the essentials and advanced training manuals you should do fine. I actually found the hardest part of the test was the "test" itself. The way the test is written and graded you need to read and then re-read every problem. You need to be sure you know exactly what the grading system will be looking for. As with most CAD software there is more than one method to achieve the same thing. When taking the test you need be able to read between the lines and determine which method the grading system is looking for. I guess my best advice is know the training manuals before taking the test. Once at the test read VERY carefully. Then re-read and do the problem. Once you have completed check and recheck everything.

 

[Glonoin]

Just a thought - if the company encourages you to get the certification, pays for it, gives you the time to go take the test and you pass and feel good about yourself, secure in your abilities, and happy to be working for a company that promotes your professional growth ... doesn't the company benefit, even if only in an intangible manner?

 

[Beggar]

How much does it typically cost to take the certification test?

 

[rockguy]

I believe the normal cost for the certification test is $300-$400. If you take the test at SolidWorks World they offer a discount. If you are a CSWP You also recieve a $100 discount on the SolidWorks World admission.

Glonoin..... Great point. If you see your company is willing to invest in you then you are more likely to work harder for them.

 

[Beggar]

Looking at it from the opposite side, what does it say if they're not willing?

 

[ctopher]

All good points, thank you. My company pays for a lot of training, just need to convince them of SW cert. I will print this thread and pass on to my boss. thanks

 

[swhitey]

Glad you asked that initial question 'ctopher'.
I am in exactly the same situation, my company will not pay and think its only for my own good and not theirs. I am going to do it anyway just for the challenge and to see where it leads. There are currently only 7 Certified Professionals in Britain and I aim to be the 8th.

 

[ctopher]

Good for you swhitey, good luck. I'm going for it also....soon.

 

[ElectroMatt]

Only 8 in Britain? Is the actual test that incredibly difficult?

Or is it because employers don't pay for it?

I received a test outline from my VAR that supposedly describes everything they are looking for and it looks reasonably easy. The only things on the list that I don't use regularly are Equations and Macros. So it will require some study in that area before I can take the CSWP anyway.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[rockguy]

I think it's more a matter of the number of people taking the exam. I'm the only CSWP in the state of VT. I may be the only person to have taken the test. Not sure??? I'm sure there are other qualified users near me they just don't have the time,money,desire, etc to take the test.

See my post above for my thoughts on the dificulty of the test.