Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the Credential Information.

SolidWorks CAD Design Associate (CSWA)

Credential Name	SolidWorks CAD Design Associate (CSWA)
Credential Vendor Info	Carolina Training Associates Michelle Burgess michelle@carolinatraining.com 252.947.1063
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IV22 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Nolan Fahrer nolan.fahrer@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IV22 Drafting II - Engineering Honors
Credential as POL	IV22 POL = Yes Autodesk Certified User Fusion 360 OR Autodesk Certified User in Inventor for Mechanical Design OR SolidWorks CAD Design Associate (CSWA)
Pathway(s)	Drafting Engineering (DREN)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available Instructors that are certified can prepare students better.
Exam Voucher Expiration	1 year
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Architectural and Civil Drafters (17-3011) Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3022) Mechanical Drafters (17-3013) Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic (51-4062) Surveying and Mapping Technicians (17-3031)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	Yes
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Must be an approved SolidWorks Certification Provider
Test Site Options and Requirements	https://www.solidworks.com/certifications/solidworks-accredited-educator-certification
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	3 hours
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes After a 14-day waiting period
Student Accommodations	No
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Numerous languages
Directory Notes	For more information about the SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Academic Certification Versions: https://www.solidworks.com/certifications/solidworks-cad-design-academic

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.