WVU Parkersburg students earn first SolidWorks certification in engineering technology program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 30, 2026) — Three WVU Parkersburg Engineering Technology students have earned the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) credential, the first students in the program to do so since the software was introduced in Fall 2025.

Students in the ETEC 210 course took the rigorous exam on April 2. Three of the four students passed. The CSWA is an industry-recognized credential issued by Dassault Systèmes.

The three-hour exam tests proficiency in SolidWorks, a 3D design tool used widely in engineering and manufacturing. Students complete 14 questions under time constraints, including building complex parts and assemblies.

“We just purchased SolidWorks last semester, so this is new to all of us,” said Laura Carpenter, Engineering Technology Instructional Specialist at WVU Parkersburg. “It’s a powerful software used in academia and industry, and the certification is an official, industry-recognized credential. The students worked diligently building 20 to 30 models throughout the semester, and their work paid off.”

Students Garrett Flesher, Cody Harless and Zarik Westrick successfully earned the certification. Flesher achieved the highest score in the group, earning a 220 out of 240, or 92%.

“These students had never worked with SolidWorks prior to the course,” Carpenter said. “We started day one installing software, and just two and a half months later, they were prepared and succeeded. I was excited and impressed by their performance on the exam.”

Throughout the semester, students built 20 to 30 models to develop foundational skills in engineering design.

Carpenter said the certification gives students an edge entering the workforce.

“The CSWA is a great addition to a student’s resume,” she said. “It replaces a statement like ‘proficient in SolidWorks’ with an industry-recognized certification that verifies their skills under time pressure. That’s important because we know there are deadlines and time-sensitive projects in industry.”

The skills are also in demand regionally, where Mid-Ohio Valley companies rely on design and engineering work.

“There are several companies in the MOV that do design work and could benefit from the skills these students are acquiring,” Carpenter said. “SolidWorks is a trusted industry-standard software and a great tool for engineers to have in their toolkit.”

Next semester, Engineering Technology students will have the opportunity to take the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) exam, the next step in the credential.