Abstract
The acceptance of computer-aided design (CAD) certifications in industry has emerged over the last decade. As a result, instructors are beginning to incorporate certification exams into engineering and engineering technology (ET) curricula. Unfortunately, minimal evidence-based research has been conducted to explore the value gained from obtaining such a certification(s). The claims made by the CAD software vendors and resellers are that their certifications are, in general, valuable and beneficial to students. The purpose of this research is twofold: 1) to explore the perceived general value of the SOLIDWORKS certification program, the general benefit(s) of obtaining a SOLIDWORKS certification(s) for students, and the justification(s) for being SOLIDWORKS certified during a typical hiring process, and 2) publish empirical data. This study involved the use of an online survey given to a cross-sectional sample of certified SOLIDWORKS users located in the Midwest region of the United States. LinkedIn® InMail™ messages containing the survey link were sent to 156 individuals, of which 58 (37.18%) responded. Results show respondents generally perceive SOLIDWORKS certification(s) as valuable and the benefit(s) of obtaining a certification(s) outweigh cost(s). Being SOLIDWORKS certified will help students get an interview and gain a competitive advantage over other non-certified candidates. Finally, a ranked list pertaining to the value of being SOLIDWORKS certified during the hiring process is revealed. In general, this paper sheds lights on an emerging trend in engineering and ET curricula, and more specifically, calls for additional research studies investigating the impact of vendor controlled certification programs.
Keywords
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Professional Certification, Industry Value, SOLIDWORKS
Date of this Version
2018
Recommended Citation
Webster, Rustin and Ottway, R., "Computer-aided design (CAD) certifications: Are they valuable to undergraduate engineering and engineering technology students?" (2018). School of Engineering Technology Faculty Publications. Paper 15.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/soetfp/15
Comments
This is the author accepted manuscript of Webster, R., & Ottway, R. (2018). Computer-aided design (CAD) certifications: Are they valuable to undergraduate engineering and engineering technology students? Journal of Engineering Technology 35(2), 22-32.
© 2018 American Society for Engineering Education. Shared here with publisher permission. The Journal of Engineering Technology can be found through the ASEE Engineering Technology Division page as well as through the Scholastica page.