The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) is rapidly becoming a must-have for professionals in finance, risk, and sustainability roles. As the demand for climate-literate professionals rises, the SCR exam serves as a critical benchmark of one’s knowledge and capability to assess and manage climate-related financial risks.
In this guide, we provide a comprehensive overview of the SCR exam—its structure, the essential content areas, and what candidates can expect on test day.
Exam Format and Structure 2025 GARP SCR Exam: Format, Key Topics, Costs, and Exam Dates , GARP SCR Exam
The SCR exam is designed to evaluate both conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations. Here's what the structure looks like: 2025 GARP SCR Exam: Format, Key Topics, Costs, and Exam Dates , GARP SCR Exam
Question Format: The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions.
Time Limit: Candidates are given 4 hours to complete the exam.
Case Studies: Included within the 90 questions are two detailed case studies. These present real-world scenarios and require candidates to analyze data, assess risk implications, and recommend responses based on principles covered in the curriculum.
Scoring: The exam is graded on a pass/fail basis. While GARP does not publicly release cut scores, performance is measured across all content areas.
Key Exam Topics
The SCR curriculum is divided into ten key subject areas, each of which addresses a fundamental component of climate risk and sustainability in finance. The exam draws questions from each of the following domains:
Foundations of Climate Change
- Scientific basis for climate change
- Greenhouse gas emissions and global warming
- Climate tipping points and feedback loops
Sustainability
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concepts
- Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Climate Change Risk
- Physical risks (acute and chronic)
- Transition risks (policy, technology, market, and reputation)
- Liability risks and systemic financial risk
Policy, Culture, and Governance
- International climate policy frameworks (e.g., Paris Agreement)
- Internal governance for climate risk
- Organizational culture and leadership on sustainability
Green and Sustainable Finance
- Green bonds and sustainable investing
- ESG integration in portfolio management
- Climate-aligned financial instruments
Climate Risk Measurement and Management
- Scenario analysis and stress testing
- Key risk indicators and climate risk modeling
- Metrics such as Value-at-Risk (VaR) for climate exposure
Climate Models and Scenario Analysis
- IPCC models and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)
- Use of scenarios in financial planning
- Limitations and uncertainties in modeling
Net Zero
- Decarbonization pathways and transition planning
- Net zero targets and timelines
- Carbon offsets and removals
Climate and Nature Risk Assessment
- Biodiversity risk and natural capital
- Interaction of environmental degradation with financial systems
Transition Planning and Carbon Reporting
- Corporate climate transition strategies
- TCFD reporting framework and emissions disclosures
- Carbon accounting methodologies (Scope 1, 2, 3)
Each topic is carefully designed to ensure candidates develop a well-rounded perspective that includes science, policy, risk management, and finance.
Study Materials and Preparation
Once registered for the SCR exam, candidates receive access to a complete study suite:
Official eBook: The core study material covering all ten content areas
GARP Learning Platform: Interactive tools, digital highlights, and self-assessment features
Practice Exam: A full-length, simulated exam to test readiness and application
Study Guide and Learning Objectives: Documents that outline essential knowledge and focus areas
GARP recommends dedicating 100–150 hours of study time to thoroughly prepare. It’s advisable to create a structured study plan that allows for consistent review, practice testing, and revision.
Registration and Exam Fees
As of the latest cycle:
Standard Registration Fee: USD 825 (includes all study materials and exam access)
Payment Methods: Credit card, Alipay, wire transfer, and ACH
Additional Fees: Wire/ACH payments incur a USD 50 processing charge
Candidates must register for their exam window (April or October) and schedule their test date within that window. Deferral is available for a fee of USD 150 if requested by the deadline.
What to Expect on Test Day
The SCR exam is administered via Pearson VUE testing centers and online proctoring, offering flexibility in test delivery.
On-Site Testing: Requires valid ID, early arrival, and compliance with test center rules
Online Proctoring: Requires a secure testing environment, webcam, and stable internet
Candidates should expect:
A 4-hour exam session with no scheduled breaks
Monitoring throughout the test period
Secure login and identity verification process
It’s crucial to review the SCR Exam Candidate Handbook for full policies on scheduling, rescheduling, deferrals, and what constitutes a test violation.
Final Tips for Success
Don’t Cram: Start early and study consistently
Use Practice Exams: Simulate test day conditions to build confidence
Understand, Don’t Memorize: Focus on understanding how climate risks affect financial decision-making
Stay Updated: Climate finance is dynamic—supplement your learning with recent articles and reports
The GARP SCR exam is a rigorous, highly respected credential that equips professionals to meet the challenges of climate risk in the financial world. Understanding the format, mastering the core topics, and preparing strategically are key to passing the exam and advancing your career. With the global push toward sustainability, there has never been a better time to invest in the skills and knowledge that will shape the future of finance.
Whether you're a risk analyst, portfolio manager, policy advisor, or sustainability officer, the SCR exam offers a path to meaningful impact and professional excellence in the age of climate accountability.
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