SW skills tests? 1

[kiwi66]

Are there any standardised operator skill tests around?
I need somthing to evaluate potential job applicants.

 

[MadMango]

About the only standarized testing I know of is the CSWP certification offered by SW corporate.

What we have done is to create our own test for job applicants. We mainly deal with sheet metal production, so it's tailored for that. This is a rather simple test in itself, and the applicant has 60 minutes to complete the test.

A) Take a "design sketch" and create a SLDPRT and SLDDRW. This is a sheet metal "L-bracket" part with circular pattern holes, countersinks and counterbores.
B) Create a SLDASM of the new SLDPRT with specified standard hardware from our network. Create an exploded drawing of the assembly.
C) Save these files in a specified network location.

This tests the applicants modeling, drafting and assembly skills and also tests to see how "computer literate" they are. Once this is completed, the files are reviewed for model/drawing accuracy and efficiency. It's very easy to tell if someone has SW experience, or if they have just completed some 2-4 week class. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

 

[Standing]

kiwi66
You might want to talk to your human resources department about giving tests. To my limited understand, test open up the door for lawsuits, (I work in California as a designer). I think the tests have to be standardized, supervised, and stored. The department I work for, hired an Engineer that knew nothing about SolidWorks and within two weeks he was better than most. Remember the saying “Ten years experience” or “One years experience ten times”. I recommend hiring a contractor or job shopper for 90 days and if they show a good attitude with potential to learn and grow then hire them. Bradley

 

[SBaugh]

Hey if your looking to hire someone offsite. Don't hesitate to look my way.

Best Regards, Scott Baugh, CSWP
credence69@REMOVEhotmail.com

http://www.3dmca.com

http://home.insightbb.com/~scott.baugh/

*When in doubt always check the help*

 

I would add that I feel testing is not the best solution. As a design professional for more than twenty years I find it somewhat insulting to be asked to take a test. I consider such a client with great skeptism since I believe such a request reflects a total ignorance of the reality about engineering in general and CAD skills directly. More than once I have told a prospective client no thank you. I do provide references and samples of work though. I firmly believe that as a professional, I will either tell you that I can do the project or not.
When hiring others to work with me I have always asked that question. I also have made arrangements with agencies that I get a period of time to evaluate skills without risk. If I hire someone who has told me they are a professional and it turns out to be otherwise, then I release then but do not pay the agency. Let the agency do some of the work.
I also agree that there are some who can learn software quickly and indeed with great skill. If you have a lot of experience with any of the major softwares then picking up a new one is easy. I have done this myself with SDRC, ProE and others. It is more about a complete understanding of creating geometry than about where the particular icon is.

 

[DetroitPickles]

Ecowen,

Couldn't have agreed more. I want to work with you. I have dealt with other so-called "modelers" that couldn't understand what an Extrude was, and others that were way sharper than me.

Ahhh, so you have a certification. But can you do this? Some can, some can't. I'm not saying that just because you are certified (as I am) you are awesome, or that you understand what THIS project needs.

I look for people that understand. And that includes the people I work for, and the people that work for me.

Let's see, how many times have I said, yeah you have 10 years of AutoCAD experience, but that doesn't mean you can create a solid model or mate 2 pieces together....?

Mr. Pickles

 

[2Dto3D]

I agree with most of the above. Let me assure you that if someone has passed the CSWP test, they definitely can run SolidWorks and run it well. This test doesn't evaluate design experience, but the initial question was in regard to "operator skill tests". I'm not saying "If he's not a CSWP, he can't", but I will say "If he is a CSWP, he can". If you're looking for someone who can run SW, and a CSWP applies for the position, you just saved yourself some time... but he or she would probably be happy to take your test, anyway. Charley Leonard
CSWP

http://www.2dto3d.com

 

[MadMango]

I'd like to add that just because you find a good CAD Jockey, doesn't mean you find someone with design or manufacturing experience. I remember in my AutoCAD r13 days, we had one drafter that could make the program sing, but had no concept (or decided to ignore it) of the use of Layers or Colors. The drawings looked nice on the screen, but turned out horrible from the plotter.

I guess it all boils down to testing cadidates for what you're looking for. If you need a warm body for grunt CAD work, you might test purely on program familiarity and drafting experience. If you're looking for a designer, you'll want to ask for a portfolio of work and possibly pattents. If you're looking for an enigneer, you'll want to find someone with related experience to your field of work. The variables are too vast to quantify in any one approach. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

 

[2Dto3D]

I agree with MadMango's above comment 100%. It's an expansion of what I was trying to say. I was simply trying to address the original question, which seemed to deal specifically with how to make sure someone can use SW. Naturally, more knowledge than just how to use the software is required, and should be independantly verified according to your needs. Charley Leonard
CSWP

http://www.2dto3d.com