Associate certifications are the most basic ones offered by SOLIDWORKS. Some of those certifications require hands-on testing, while others require the student to have a theoretical knowledge related to the certification topic. Brief details pertaining to each certification are as follows:

• CSWA: This is the most popular SOLIDWORKS certification. It covers the basic modeling principles involved in using the software. This certification allows the user to prove their familiarity with the basic 3D modeling environment in SOLIDWORKS. It touches on the creation of parts, assemblies, and drawings. The test for this certification is hands-on, so the student will need to have SOLIDWORKS installed before attempting the test.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate—Electrical (CSWA-E): This covers the general basics of electrical theory, as well as aspects of the electrical functionality of SOLIDWORKS. This certification test does not involve practical work, so the student will not need to have SOLIDWORKS installed.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate—Sustainability (CSWA-Sustainability): This covers theoretical principles of product-sustainable design, such as cradle to cradle. To take this certification, SOLIDWORKS software is not required.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate—Simulation (CSWA-Simulation): This covers basic simulation principles based on the Finite Elements Method (FEM). This mainly includes stress analysis and the effect of different materials and forces on solid bodies. This is a hands-on test, so the student is required to have SOLIDWORKS installed.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate—Additive Manufacturing (CSWA-AM): One of the newer certifications offered by SOLIDWORKS, due to the emergence of the common use of additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing. This certification covers basic knowledge regarding the 3D printing market. This is not a hands-on test and, hence, the student does not need to have SOLIDWORKS software installed.