Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) Exam — Questions and Answers
Question 1: For a sweep profile to correctly follow a path, the path must:
- Be longer than the profile's maximum diameter
- Pierce the profile sketch plane at exactly one point (Correct answer)
- Share a common edge with the profile sketch
- Be parallel to the profile sketch plane
Correct answer: Pierce the profile sketch plane at exactly one point
The sweep path must pierce through the profile sketch at a single point to correctly define the direction and origin of the sweep.
Question 2: A feature that creates a base or boss, a revolved cut, or a revolved surface by revolving one or more sketched profiles around a centerline:
- Radius
- Spline
- Revolve (Correct answer)
- Profile
Correct answer: Revolve
Explanation: <br> In SOLIDWORKS, the Revolve feature creates a base or boss, a revolved cut, or a revolved surface by rotating one or more sketched profiles around a centerline. This feature is commonly used to create symmetrically shaped features such as cylindrical bodies, holes, or rounded protrusions by rotating a sketch profile about an axis.
Question 3: In a 2D sketch, you need to ensure that a circle and a line touch at only a single point, without crossing. Which geometric relation should you apply between the two entities?
- Tangent (Correct answer)
- Coincident
- Midpoint
- Concentric
Correct answer: Tangent
The 'Tangent' relation is used to make two curved entities or a line and a curved entity touch at a single point without intersecting. A 'Coincident' relation would place the line on the circle's circumference, and 'Concentric' applies to two circles sharing a center point.
Question 4: You are assembling a rack and pinion system. Which mate type is specifically designed to simulate the linear motion of the rack corresponding to the rotational motion of the pinion?
- Rack and Pinion Mate (Correct answer)
- Screw Mate
- Gear Mate
- Linear Coupler Mate
Correct answer: Rack and Pinion Mate
The Rack and Pinion Mate is a mechanical mate used to convert rotational motion into linear motion, or vice versa, which is the exact mechanical relationship between a rack and pinion gear system.
Question 5: When inserting the very first component into a new, empty assembly, what is its default state and what does the `(f)` prefix next to its name in the FeatureManager Design Tree signify?
- The component is floating, meaning it has all degrees of freedom.
- The component is flexible, and the `(f)` indicates its sub-assembly components can move.
- The component is floating, and the `(f)` indicates it is the 'first' component.
- The component is fixed, and the `(f)` indicates its origin is locked to the assembly's origin. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The component is fixed, and the `(f)` indicates its origin is locked to the assembly's origin.
By default, SolidWorks fixes the first component placed into an assembly. This action locks the component's origin to the assembly's origin, providing a stable, immovable base for all subsequent components. The `(f)` prefix is the visual indicator in the FeatureManager Design Tree that a component is fixed.
Question 6: Which SolidWorks tool is used to perform a static check to find and report the exact volumetric overlap between two or more components in an assembly?
- Clearance Verification
- Mate Expert
- Collision Detection
- Interference Detection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Interference Detection
Interference Detection is the specific tool designed to analyze an assembly at its current position and identify any components that occupy the same space. It reports the volume of the interference, helping users find and resolve clashes. Collision Detection, in contrast, is used dynamically while moving components.
Question 7: Where do you set the unit system (inches or millimeters) for a SolidWorks document?
- Insert > Reference Geometry
- View > Display
- File > Properties
- Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units
Document unit settings are found under Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units.
Question 8: Which SolidWorks setting controls the number of decimal places shown in model dimensions?
- View > Toolbars
- Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units (Correct answer)
- Insert > Annotations
- File > Page Setup
Correct answer: Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units
The number of decimal places for dimensions is configured in Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units.
Question 9: In the Mass Properties dialog box, a user wants to view the calculated mass in kilograms, but the part was modeled using millimeters and the default units are grams. Which of the following is the correct procedure?
- Click 'Options' in the Mass Properties window and use the 'custom settings' to change only the mass unit to kilograms. (Correct answer)
- Change the part's global unit system in Document Properties to MKS (meter, kilogram, second).
- Manually divide the resulting gram value by 1000.
- Use the 'Override Mass Properties' feature and re-enter the mass value with 'kg' units.
Correct answer: Click 'Options' in the Mass Properties window and use the 'custom settings' to change only the mass unit to kilograms.
The Mass Properties dialog box has an 'Options' button that allows you to use custom settings for the reported values, independent of the document's overall unit system. This is the most direct way to see the mass in a different unit like kilograms without altering the document's primary units. Changing the global setting works but is unnecessary if you only need a temporary report. Manual calculation is an extra step that can be avoided. Overriding mass is for manually assigning a mass, not for converting the calculated value.
Question 10: In SolidWorks, a Loft feature creates geometry by:
- Sweeping a profile along a helical curve
- Revolving a sketch around a central axis
- Extruding a single sketch along a curved path
- Blending between two or more profiles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Blending between two or more profiles
Loft blends between two or more profile sketches to create smooth transitions between different cross-sections.
Question 11: When creating a drawing, which tool allows a user to automatically import dimensions and tolerances that were created in the 3D part model into a specific drawing view?
- The Autodimension tool.
- The Model Items tool. (Correct answer)
- The Smart Dimension tool.
- The Note tool.
Correct answer: The Model Items tool.
The 'Model Items' command is used to import annotations (dimensions, tolerances, hole callouts, etc.) from the source part or assembly model into the drawing. This promotes design intent and reduces the redundant work of re-dimensioning the drawing from scratch.
Question 12: An assembly requires a shaft to be centered within a slot. The shaft must be able to slide along the length of the slot and rotate. Which mate is the MOST appropriate to achieve this relationship?
- Width Mate
- Concentric Mate
- Slot Mate (Correct answer)
- Limit Mate
Correct answer: Slot Mate
The Slot Mate is specifically designed for relationships involving slots. It can constrain a component to a slot, allowing for translation along the slot's path and rotation, which perfectly matches the requirements.
Question 13: A designer has created a part using the Hole Wizard to create several counterbore holes. When creating the manufacturing drawing, what is the most efficient and standardized method to add detailed specifications for these holes?
- Use the Model Items tool and select only the hole features.
- Use the Hole Callout tool on the Annotation toolbar. (Correct answer)
- Use the Smart Dimension tool to measure the diameter of each concentric circle.
- Manually add individual notes with leaders pointing to each hole.
Correct answer: Use the Hole Callout tool on the Annotation toolbar.
The Hole Callout tool is specifically designed to read the information from a Hole Wizard feature and automatically generate a standardized, detailed note that includes diameter, depth, counterbore/countersink details, and instance counts.
Question 14: In SolidWorks, a Swept Boss/Base feature is accessed through which menu path?
- Insert > Surface
- Edit > Boss
- Insert > Features (Correct answer)
- Tools > Features
Correct answer: Insert > Features
Swept Boss/Base, along with other solid modeling features, is located under Insert > Features in the SolidWorks menu bar.
Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) Exam
The CSWA exam validates foundational skills in SolidWorks 3D CAD, covering part modeling, assembly modeling, and drawing/detailing.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds