My first introduction to SolidWorks (or SOLIDWORKS) was in 2020 when a friend used it to design a 3D-printed mask during the COVID pandemic. Five years later, another friend, a mechanical engineer, raved about how this “cool” software made him efficient and productive.
The range of SolidWorks is vast, and its knowledge, essential. It expands your design skillset with advanced modeling, simulation, and assembly, amplifying your precision and quality of product development.
If you work with AutoCAD and want to move to developing complex products, intricate prototypes, and functional machinery, SolidWorks will not only get you ahead, it will also save you time and impress your employers.
If you don’t know where to begin, this list includes hands-on certificate courses that will equip you with SolidWorks essentials.
Click on the shortcuts for more details:
- Why is a SolidWorks Certification Important?
- Why Trust Us and Why These Courses?
- The Best SolidWorks Courses
The Best SolidWorks Courses
| Course Highlight | Workload |
| Best Training in SolidWorks 2024 (LinkedIn Learning) | 10 hours |
| Best to Learn Real-time Skills (Udemy) | 19 hours |
| Best for Beginners (SourceCAD) | 5+ hours |
| Best by SOLIDWORKS (edX) | 10-20 hours |
| Best for CSWA Exam Prep (Udemy) | 8-9 hours |
| Best for CSWP Exam Prep (SourceCAD) | 5+ hours |
| Best Beginner To Advanced Course (Udemy) | 12 hours |
Why is a SolidWorks Certification Important?
SolidWorks goes beyond design, it taps into functionalities, testing, modifications, and real-world simulations that make your products manufacturable.
As I mentioned, it goes a step beyond AutoCAD in terms of 3D modeling, assemblies, simulations, and rendering.
Using SolidWorks has helped organizations cut design time by up to 60% and reduce overall product development time by 20%.
Since it’s a high-value skill, the certification has helped professionals get hired and promoted. Some even claim that it elevates your resume and helps you apply to higher-paying job opportunities.
If you’re keen on designing advanced systems, running simulations, and testing, this tool will make you more productive and efficient.
But a certification isn’t enough to prove your skills. SolidWorks requires precision, attention-to-detail and an adaptable mind. Your job isn’t limited to development, it involves problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The courses that I’ve chosen give you hands-on exercises and projects to develop and hone your SolidWorks skills. Plus, most offer a certification that will validate your experience and boost your career prospects.
Why Trust Us and Why These Courses?
Class Central is a global database of over 250,000 courses. Imagine you want to learn project management. Instead of going to each platform, we offer you a list of courses from Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and more.
We aim to make learning simpler with our Best Courses Guides, which list top courses for every topic. And if you’re curious about how online learning is shaping our world, we bring you news via The Report.
Now, how did I choose these courses?
First, I’ve spoken to a mechanical engineer who has been designing industrial machinery for 8+ years. I’ve picked his brain on the skills and features courses should include. Plus, he has vouched for the platforms that offer these courses.
The selections are based on:
- Certifications/Exam prep: The courses offer certifications that you can mention in your resume. You will also find some that prepare you for official certifications like CSWA and CSWP
- Hands-on exercises: You will find practical tutorials, exercises, and assignments that will help you practice and build your portfolio
- Multi-level learning: The courses have beginner, intermediate, and advanced level learning. Some even take your skills from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels
- Expert instructors: The instructors are professionals with years of experience with SolidWorks
- Learner experience: I’ve verified the learning experience and quality of instructions through reviews
Please note: You’ll find courses teaching different versions of SolidWorks (2024, 2021, etc). While the most updated version is 2025, other versions offer foundational knowledge, too.
Now, let’s move on to the top SolidWorks courses!
Best Training in SolidWorks 2024 (LinkedIn Learning)
- Level: Beginner (and intermediate)
- Rating: 4.8 (347 ratings)
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: Paid (Subscription)
- Certification: Yes
If you want to start building ready-to-manufacture parts and objects, and shift from 2D drawings to 3D creations, this course is for you.
While beginners have found this beneficial for sketching and the introduction of other SolidWorks tools, the course also teaches advanced modeling techniques using blocks, mirroring, and more, and it highlights the best practices to create better designs.
The reviews highlight the instructor’s delivery and teaching style and the comprehensive syllabus with several tools and functions.
What sets it apart?
- It’s helpful for beginner and intermediate-level professionals
- With 18 modules and quizzes, this course covers extensive functionalities of SolidWorks
- The exercises and real-world examples ensure hands-on learning
- The instructor, Gabriel Corbett, has been a product designer for 17 years, and is a manufacturing consultant for leading companies
What you might not like
The quizzes are difficult to comprehend because of confusing wording.
Who is it for?
- Beginners in the engineering, architecture, or design field
- Students who want to learn the foundations of SolidWorks
- Professionals who want to refresh their SolidWorks skills
Best to Learn Real-time Skills (Udemy)
- Level: Beginner
- Rating: 4.7 (1,784 ratings)
- Duration: 19 hours
- Cost: Paid
- Certification: Yes
While applying for a position that requires SolidWorks experience, an employer will test your skills. This course teaches you how to create 12 objects (computer mouse, Lego figure, sharpener, etc), strengthening your hand at the software and helping you add projects to your portfolio.
You’ll learn how to work with specialty tools like threads, mounting bosses, snap hooks, lip & groove, and more. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to create and modify complex surfaces, make detailed drawings, and manage multi-part systems.
If you don’t have CAD experience, you can choose this one to grasp the basic tools. It also offers downloadable drawings and hands-on support.
What sets it apart?
- You’ll learn the step-by-step process of designing objects
- It’s helpful for those who don’t have CAD knowledge
- You’ll learn functions such as snap hooks, lip & groove, threads, and more
- The instructor, Johno Ellison, has over 15 years of experience as a Design Engineer
What you might not like
- If you know CAD, the information can seem repetitive
- It is recommended for product designers (not for mechanical engineers)
Who is it for?
- Beginners or students in the design field who want to learn SolidWorks along with CAD
- Product designers who want to refresh their practical SolidWorks skills
Best for Beginners (SourceCAD)
- Level: Beginner
- Rating: 4.7 (1782 ratings)
- Duration: 5+ hours
- Cost: Paid (Subscription)
- Certification: Yes
If you’re looking for a well-paced SolidWorks course with clear instructions, go for this one. It teaches you from scratch and with practical examples.
With 136 video lessons, it sets you up for a deep dive into the software, covering sketching, modeling, geometric functions, configurations, and more.
It’s based on the 2021 and 2022 SolidWorks versions, but it’s compatible with other versions too. And you’ll also find sections on advanced features such as drafting, instant sketching, etc.
What sets it apart?
- It’s a comprehensive course with downloadable resources, practice questions, and examples
- If you want a deep, self-paced, easy-to-follow guide for SolidWorks, take this course
- It guarantees doubt clarifications and also has a community for support
- It covers basics such as navigation and precision, but it also offers you knowledge on nuanced features such as multi-part designing
- The instructor, Jaiprakash Pandey, is the author of “Practical AutoCAD book” and a CAD trainer for Fortune 500 companies
What you might not like
This course might not prepare you for the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) certification (an official recognition of fundamental SolidWorks skills), but it will offer you practical knowledge of the software. You can prepare for the exam with SourceCAD’s CSWA certification prep course.
Who is it for?
- Beginners who haven’t worked with SolidWorks before
- Professionals who want to learn advanced SolidWorks tools
Best by SOLIDWORKS (edX)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 10-20 hours
- Cost: Free to audit
- Certification: Yes (paid)
This course is by SolidWorks, the official software provider. With over 100 videos and 30 exercises. Learn the fundamentals of the software and a variety of functionalities such as adding features (cuts, revolves, etc), using Smart Dimensions, using mates, creating intricate drawings, and more.
After this course, you’ll be able to attempt the CSWA certification and move on to the CSWP certificate. The course is structured, detailed, and it ensures a smooth and hands-on SolidWorks learning experience.
P.S. You will need the SolidWorks software, and verified learners get a 50% discount (to become a verified learner, click on “Enroll”, go to “Upgrade to Verified Track”, click on “Upgrade Now”, and make the payment). This offer is not always active, please read the terms mindfully.
What sets it apart?
- Since it’s by SOLDIWORKS, the official partner, it’s trusted and reliable
- The course will help you pass the CSWA exam
- In terms of practical skills, it takes you from beginner to intermediate level
- The authors and instructor (Joe Rousseau) have written the ‘SolidWorks Essentials’ book, which has sold over 250,000 copies
What you might not like
You will need to pay for the certificate
Who is it for?
- Professionals who want to learn SolidWorks through the official source
- Individuals who want to study for the CSWA certification for free
Best for CSWA Exam Prep (Udemy)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Cost: Paid
- Certification: Yes
While certifications aren’t a necessity to get hired, they have helped professionals stand out to their employers. This course prepares you for the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) certification.
CSWA is based on basic SolidWorks functions, and the instructor covers fundamental aspects of sketching, modeling, drawing, and assembling. You will also learn practical applications of tools in each function. For example, the assembly section teaches you how to insert, move, and mirror components, detect collision, and more with examples.
The sample exam sets the right expectations for the actual one, making you confident to appear for it.
What sets it apart?
- It prepares you for the CSWA exam and offers you tips and tricks to pass it
- There are 50 exercises and examples for practical learning
- It can also help you get hired or advance in your career
- Along with the tools, it teaches you how to approach product problems as a CAD designer
- The instructor, Alen Oletic, was a SolidWorks designer and has taught more than 45000 students
Who is it for?
- Professionals who want to pass the CSWA exam
- Professionals who want to advance in their careers with SolidWorks skills
- Students who want to learn fundamental SolidWorks skills to get hired
Best for CSWP Exam Prep (SourceCAD)
- Level: Intermediate
- Duration: 5+ hours
- Cost: Paid (Subscription)
- Certification: Yes
After CSWA or preparing for it, you can get the advanced certification called Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) certification. This course helps you prepare for that.
This course first takes you through exam details—nature of questions, technical details, exam pattern, and more. The mock exams (which follow the same rules as the actual one) equip you with the confidence you need to appear for the certification exam. The scores help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
This course’s sole aim is to offer exam preparation support, so knowledge of SolidWorks is essential.
What sets it apart?
- It explains every question of the exam through detailed video lessons
- It has 100% chat support, the instructor answers every query
- It will help you pass the exam in the first attempt
- The instructor, Mohsina (CSWA and CSWP in Simulation), is a Mechatronics and Control Engineer, product designer, and technical reviewer of the ‘Learn SolidWorks’ book
What you might not like
This course only focuses on exam prep, and not SolidWorks tutorials.
Who is it for?
- Professionals who are CSWA (or have basic knowledge) and want to appear for CSWP
- Students who want to give the CSWP exam (after learning the basics)
Best Beginner To Advanced Course (Udemy)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 12 hours
- Cost: Paid
- Certification: Yes
While a certification proves your knowledge, practical skills prove your craft and skills in the workplace.
This course claims to help you advance in your career or even start one. It resembles the CSWA certificate prep course by the same instructor, Alen, but this one is more in-depth and it focuses more on applications.
The curriculum is well-paced, with detailed instructions, real-world examples, and practical exercises that help you master the software. By the end of the course, you will know how to create life-like images, evaluate your models, and think like an expert designer.
What sets it apart?
- The course structure, hands-on exercises, and examples push you to understand practical applications
- This is a beginner to advanced course so you can take it as a SW professional too
- Learners admired the curriculum and the delivery of the course
- The instructor, Alen Oletic, is a Solidworks certified professional designer, and has taught 30,000 students with 12 courses with an average rating of 4.6.
What you might not like
The course doesn’t offer CSWA exam certification, but it’s rich in practical knowledge.
Who is it for?
- Professionals who want to learn advanced SolidWorks functionalities
- Anyone interested in 3D printing
SolidWorks is a skill that you have to carve with practice. While the certifications can put you miles ahead of your competition, they don’t guarantee hands-on experience. Keep practising to master this software—paired with certificates, you’ll be a force in SolidWorks!
Looking for other best courses in related courses like AutoCAD? Head to our Best Courses Guides!
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