SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

The impact varies by environment, but common examples include slower software responsiveness, manual workaround-heavy workflows, issue recovery delays, file translation overhead, version coordination problems, repetitive engineering tasks, and growing time spent troubleshooting internally instead of designing.

SOLIDWORKS Software is available in thirteen languages. Live technical support is provided by your local VAR which helps insure you receive support in your region’s local language.

Active subscription members can access the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate and Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional exams. For each SOLIDWORKS Design seat you purchase, your engineering team receives six free exams per year, making it easier to strengthen skills and validate expertise.

• The CSWA (Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate) establishes professional credibility for users new to SOLIDWORKS who’ve completed beginner SOLIDWORKS training courses. It validates foundational knowledge and core SOLIDWORKS CAD skills, ensuring it’s an essential tool for early-career professionals or those transitioning into a new design field.
• The CSWP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional) identifies users with a strong command of SOLIDWORKS software fundamentals. It’s the benchmark for professionals who operate the software in a corporate setting or full-time role for 40 hours per week over six months or more.

SOLIDWORKS certification can strengthen your entire engineering team by proving verified skills, training and commitment on their path to becoming SOLIDWORKS experts. It helps distinguish your team and shows you meet recognized industry standards for SOLIDWORKS training. 

Letting your SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services lapse doesn't eliminate costs — it relocates them. Engineering teams that come off subscription often absorb hidden expenses through increased rework, manual file translation, compatibility slowdowns and reduced team throughput. When they eventually return, reactivation and backdating fees can compress deferred costs into a single, high-pressure moment.

Three financial realities to consider:

1. Backdating costs increase over time: The longer a team stays off subscription, the more expensive it becomes to reinstate — especially if an urgent OS shift, hardware refresh or customer requirement forces a rapid upgrade
2. Hidden productivity loss: Rebuilding assemblies, repairing imported geometry and managing version mismatches redirect engineering hours away from actual engineering work
3. Cumulative value compounds: The subscription's value isn't tied to one major feature release — it comes from hundreds of smaller performance gains, automation improvements and compatibility updates that reduce friction across the entire department over months and years

Enrolling in Subscription Services helps you get the most out of your SOLIDWORKS software because access to the latest product releases and expert technical support saves you time and money.  Improved software performance, innovative new product features, live technical support and 24 hour electronic technical support helps keep you focused on what matters most designing great products.

No. Many teams return to SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services first to restore flexibility, technical support access, interoperability improvements (like saving to previous releases), and supported upgrade paths. This allows organizations to plan upgrades more strategically instead of waiting until compatibility problems (whether due to operating system support, new workstations, or a variety of other natural causes) create urgent operational pressure.

No. Many teams return to SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services first to restore flexibility, support access, workflow improvements, and supported upgrade paths. This allows organizations to plan upgrades more strategically rather than waiting until operational pressure forces reactive change.

No. Many teams return to SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services first to restore flexibility, technical support access, compatibility improvements, and supported upgrade paths for maintenance. This allows organizations to plan upgrades more strategically instead of waiting until operational pressure forces reactive change. SOLIDWORKS software is constantly improving through bug fixes, community-requested enhancements, and new functionalities. With SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service, you can receive upgrades as they happen or get personalized upgrade help from your reseller for better performance that meets the needs of your organization.