With only a short time left before the GARP SCR exam, candidates must ensure they are making the most of their final days of preparation. The SCR exam is not just about memorizing definitions—it assesses how well candidates can apply sustainability and climate risk concepts in real-world financial and risk management scenarios.
To help you optimize your final review, this last-minute SCR exam checklist highlights essential steps to take before exam day.
1. Review the Exam Structure and Key Focus Areas
The SCR exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering a broad range of sustainability and climate risk topics.
Time Limit: 3 hours
Exam Type: Computer-based, in-person at Pearson VUE test centers
Question Format: Standalone multiple-choice questions and two multi-part case study questions
Key Topic Weights GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate (SCR) Exam , GARP SCR,
Candidates should focus their final review on the most heavily weighted sections:
Climate Risk Measurement & Management (12-18 Questions) – Highest weighted section
Foundations of Climate Change (8-12 Questions)
Sustainability & ESG (8-12 Questions)
Climate Change Risk: Physical & Transition Risks (8-12 Questions)
Green Finance & Sustainable Investments (8-12 Questions)
Climate Policy & Governance (8-12 Questions)
Climate Models & Scenario Analysis (8-12 Questions)
Net Zero & Carbon Reporting (4-6 Questions)
Nature Risk & Transition Planning (4-6 Questions)
Action Plan:
Prioritize high-weight topics such as climate risk measurement, climate change risk, and green finance.
Practice case study-based questions, as they require the application of concepts to real-world scenarios. GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate (SCR) Exam , GARP SCR,
2. Focus on High-Yield Concepts
Instead of reviewing every detail, prioritize the key concepts that are most likely to appear on the exam.
Climate Risk Measurement & Financial Impacts (Top Priority)
Understanding Physical Risk vs. Transition Risk and their financial implications
The impact of climate risks on market, credit, liquidity, and operational risk
Key risk measurement tools such as Climate Value at Risk (CVaR), stress testing, and scenario analysis
Sustainable Finance & Green Investments
Major green finance instruments (Green bonds, ESG loans, sustainability-linked bonds)
ESG investment strategies and risk integration in financial markets
Overview of sustainability disclosure frameworks (TCFD, ISSB, SASB)
Climate Policy & Governance
The Paris Agreement and the role of net-zero targets
Carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes vs. cap-and-trade systems
Differentiating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and understanding their reporting challenges
Scenario Analysis & Climate Modeling
The IPCC Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP)
The role of stress testing in climate-related financial risk
Action Plan:
Summarize key concepts using mind maps or summary notes.
Practice recalling major frameworks and financial risk implications without looking at notes.
3. Take a Timed Full-Length Practice Test
Taking a full-length mock exam under timed conditions is critical to identifying weak areas and improving time management.
Time Allocation: 90 questions in 180 minutes = 2 minutes per question
Review Strategy: Mark and revisit difficult questions
Identify Weak Areas: Focus additional review on sections where you lost points
Action Plan:
If the practice test score is below 70%, conduct a targeted review of weak areas.
Develop quick elimination strategies for multiple-choice questions.
4. Strengthen Time Management for the Exam
Many candidates struggle with finishing the exam on time. Using a structured time management strategy can prevent this issue.
Time Allocation Strategy:
First Pass: Answer all easy questions quickly (60-75 minutes)
Second Pass: Reattempt difficult questions (30-40 minutes)
Final Review: Double-check marked questions (10-15 minutes)
Common Time Traps to Avoid:
Spending too much time on one question – Move on and return later
Overthinking scenario-based questions – Read the final question first before analyzing details
Skipping too many questions early – Answer what you can immediately and mark the rest for review
5. Final Exam Logistics Preparation
The day before the exam, verify that all logistics are in place to avoid last-minute issues.
Check Exam Location & Arrival Time: Plan travel accordingly
Valid ID: Bring a government-issued ID that matches your GARP registration
Pearson VUE Confirmation: Check for any last-minute updates
Understand Exam Rules: Know what is allowed and prohibited in the exam room
Important Notes:
No study materials, calculators, or electronic devices are allowed.
Ensure a full night’s sleep before the exam to optimize cognitive performance.
6. Exam Day Strategy
Approach to Multiple-Choice Questions:
Read the entire question carefully before answering.
Use process of elimination to remove incorrect choices quickly.
Avoid overanalyzing straightforward questions.
Approach to Case Study Questions:
Identify key financial risks and sustainability concerns in the scenario.
Focus on practical application rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Structure answers logically based on risk management frameworks.
Mindset on Exam Day:
Stay calm and confident.
If stuck, mark the question and move forward—return later if time permits.
Trust your preparation and rely on critical thinking.
Final Thoughts
By following this checklist, candidates can optimize their final preparation, avoid time traps, and confidently approach the exam. The SCR exam tests both knowledge and practical application, making it essential to focus on real-world scenarios, case studies, and financial risk management implications.
A strategic study approach in the final days will:
Strengthen understanding of key sustainability and climate risk concepts
Ensure efficient time management during the exam
Improve performance on scenario-based questions
Reduce stress by having a clear exam day plan
With the right preparation and a focused mindset, success on the SCR exam is within reach.
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