How to show off your CSWP on Linkedin

This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series SOLIDWORKS Certification

CSWA, CSWP, CSWP advanced modules, and CSWE are all important certifications that demonstrate a person’s skill level with SolidWorks.  One of the easiest ways to let others know that you’ve successfully passed a SolidWorks certification exam is to list the certificate on Linkedin.com.  There are several ways to do this.

A very common method right now is to simply add “, CSWP” to your last name, as in “Smith, CSWP”.  This will show your certification to anyone searching people on Linkedin.  However, this method is very limited since it’s impractical to show multiple certifications, such as  “Smith, CSWA, CSWP, CSWP-WELDMENTS, CSWP-FEA”.  My recommendation for this method is to simply show the highest tier of certification you’ve earned (CSWA, CSWP or CSWE).

In addition to that method, you can list all of your certifications on Linkedin.  Linkedin gives you the ability to add Certifications as a heading on your profile.  To do this:

  1. Logon to Linkedin.com with your account.
  2. Goto Profile>Edit Profile.
  3. Linkedin HeadingsIf you haven’t already added Certifications to your profile, Certifications should appear in a list of unused headings to the right of your profile. (Please note that Linkedin has been changing its interface a lot recently, so current location of this area may change at some point.)
  4. Click on the plus symbol in the Certifications box.  This will take you to a new heading area under your profile.
  5. In Certification Name field, type in the name of the SolidWorks Certification.  For example, “Certified SolidWorks Professional”
  6. In Certification Authority field, type in “Dassault Systèmes”. As you type “Dass”, Linkedin will likely provide an autofill option Dassault Systèmes that includes the “è” so that you don’t have to work out how to create that character if you do not have a European keyboard.
  7. Under License Number, type in the validation code associated with your certification.  This code is used to verify that your cerification exists and that it belongs to you.
  8. In Dates, enter the month and year in which you earned your certification.
  9. Choose Save.
  10. Repeat for each certification you earn.
  11. You can use the reposition icon under the heading (upper right corner) to move your Certifications higher up on your profile to call attention to them quicker for visitors.
  12. Save and Exit the edit profile mode and view your profile to ensure your information is correct.
  13. You can use Linkedin to spammishly notify your contacts that you’ve updated your profile to include your certificates.  It might be a good idea for someone looking for employment, but otherwise, I would shy away from this functionality.

Example

Free Certified SolidWorks Associate or Profession exam when you attend SolidWorks World 2013

There are a lot of extra benefits to attendees of SolidWorks World 2013.  One benefit is that when you sign up to attend, you are given the option to take a free SolidWorks certification exam at SolidWorks World.  My advice is that if you do not yet have certification, take the exam!  It’s free with your full conference pass!

There are two entry points for certification on SolidWorks:

  • SolidWorks Certified Associate (CSWA) which covers basic SolidWorks skills.
  • SolidWorks Certified Professional (CSWP) which covers deeper understanding of SolidWorks skills.  This certificate is required to qualify for advanced exam modules as you work your way to earning CSWE.

I’ve heard that some people shy away from taking the exam because they are not confident in their skills.   I’ve heard this from some well experienced individuals.  If you have neither certification and are nervous about the exam, then attempt the CSWA exam.  If you are already a CSWA or have been in industry for awhile, than take the CSWP-CORE exam.   Preparation is still very important in either case.  There are plenty of materials that are available to help get yourself read for the exam.  There’s even a sample exam with which you can practice!

The exams are held on Sunday, January 20, 2013, the afternoon prior to the official start of SolidWorks World 2013 at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort.

And the June SW Legion Contest winner is… (Part 1)

The June SW Legion Contest asked the brave ones among us to provide the very simplest ellipsoid within Solidworks.  It turned out that the rules where a little too general.  In my excitement to announce this contest, I failed to specify that I was looking for scalene ellipsoids, not just any old sphere.  I also left off the detail that I wanted a fully defined solid model.

Due to this oversight, I will be awarding two CSWP tests this month.  One test will go to the person that technically fulfilled the initial requirements.  The second test will be awarded to the person that produced the simplest scalene ellipsoid.

June SW Legion Contest has received eleven entries from ten individuals.  A couple of entries were just for fun.  One was a PDF of a model created in AutoCAD, and the other was a simple sphere submitted by a fellow blogger (who himself is giving away CSWPs, so does not need another one from me).  Technically, his entry would’ve tied with the other entry that used the same method to create a Prolate spheroid.

The easiest way to make a sphere or similar object in SolidWorks is to have a single sketch of an arc that is then revolved.  We have one serious entry that used this method by Sandeep Pawar.  He has requested the CSWP test.  Best of luck, Sandeep, and congratulations!

I have further review to undertake in order to declare a victor for the search for the simplest scalene ellipsoid SolidWorks model among the entries.  I have four very compelling entries which I’m currently looking over.  More details to come.

June SW Legion Contest: Create an Ellipsoid model

The June SW Legion Contest is a different kind of challenge!  The task is to submit the simplest SolidWorks model of an ellipsoid possible.  The person with the least combined number of features and sketches wins.  Use of equations is highly encouraged. 

The submitter must be the author of the file they submit. 

Contestants may email their entry to me at my email address by the end of July 6, 2009 PDT.

Ellipsoid

The prize is one CSWP test of your choice (CSWA, CSWP, CSWP Sheetmetal, CSWSP FEA, etc).   

Past winners of the Legion Contest are eligible.  In the event of a tie, tie breaker will be in the form of email roshambo.

Best of luck to everyone!