Exploring the SOLIDWORKS® Certification Program
- Conference
- Location
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Minneapolis, MN
- Publication Date
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August 23, 2022
- Start Date
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June 26, 2022
- End Date
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June 29, 2022
- Conference Session
- Page Count
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11
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--41882
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/41882
- Download Count
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307
Paper Authors
Rustin Webster Purdue University, New Albany
Dr. Rustin Webster is an associate professor in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University and specializes in mechanical engineering and computer graphics technology. Prior to academia, he worked for an aerospace and engineering company as a mechanical engineer, product development lead, and researcher. Dr Webster designed various solutions for multiple branches of the Armed Forces, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He holds a B.S. in Engineering Graphics and Design and a M.S. in Management of Technology from Murray State University, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Webster is a certified GD&T-Technologist, SOLIDWORKS Expert, and Six Sigma Green Belt. For his teaching and mentoring of students he has been awarded the 2021 ASEE ET National Teaching Award, 2021 Purdue Teaching for Tomorrow Fellowship, 2021 Purdue Teaching Academy Pandemic Teaching Award, 2019 ASEE EDGD Rising Educator Award, and 2019 SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award. Dr Webster’s research interests include ET outreach (e.g., recruitment and retention) and design education with focus areas in CAD, instructional techniques (e.g., project-based learning), and technology.
Joseph Ottway
Abstract
The number, variety, and acceptance of computer-aided design (CAD) certifications has significantly increased over the last decade with minimal research conducted on their impact. The purpose of this research paper is to describe the perceived value and benefits of the SOLIDWORKS certification program for students and working professionals within the United States SOLIDWORKS community. The SOLIDWORKS certification program, which began in 1998, recently surpassed 500,000 certified users worldwide. It is viewed as a supplier of world-wide, industry-recognized, lifelong nonconforming professional certifications. Survey data from 193 individuals across five geographical regions of the United States indicate that a SOLIDWORKS certification is valuable and provides benefit to the certified user. This paper presents a novel method of data collection, provides details concerning the actual value and benefits of certifications, and discusses areas of future research as it relates to CAD certifications. Key Words: SOLIDWORKS, Certification, Computer-aided design (CAD)
Webster, R., & Ottway, J. (2022, August), Exploring the SOLIDWORKS® Certification Program Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41882
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