The Truth About GARP SCR Exam Difficulty (and How to Beat It)

The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) has rapidly gained recognition as a premier qualification in the emerging climate risk space. As professionals across industries look to deepen their understanding of sustainability, climate science, and ESG regulations, many wonder: just how hard is the SCR exam?

The truth is, the SCR exam is challenging—but not in the traditional sense of technical finance or math-heavy exams. Its difficulty lies in the interdisciplinary nature of the material, the breadth of topics covered, and the expectation that candidates can apply concepts to real-world contexts.

This article explores the actual difficulty of the GARP SCR exam and offers clear strategies to overcome those challenges and pass confidently.

1. What the Pass Rate Tells Us GARP SCR Exam Difficulty , GARP SCR Exam, GARP SCR

According to recent data, the pass rate for the October 2024 SCR Exam was 66%. This is a respectable rate, especially for a certification that has no formal prerequisites. It suggests that with consistent preparation and an understanding-based study approach, most candidates can succeed. However, it also confirms that one in three candidates did not pass, underscoring the need for careful study and exam strategy. GARP SCR Exam Difficulty , GARP SCR Exam, GARP SCR

2. It’s Not Just a Test of Knowledge—It’s a Test of Application

The SCR exam goes beyond theoretical knowledge. Questions assess whether you can apply climate risk frameworks, interpret scenario outcomes, evaluate disclosures, and analyze transition plans. The exam includes:

90 multiple-choice questions
Two case studies with multi-part questions
4 hours total testing time

You must analyze complex information, understand relationships, and evaluate risk implications in context.

3. The Curriculum Spans Ten Domains

The SCR curriculum includes a wide range of subjects:

Climate science
ESG and sustainability
Climate risk types
Policy and governance
Sustainable finance
Risk measurement
Scenario analysis
Net-zero planning
Nature and biodiversity risk
GHG accounting and transition reporting

High-weight chapters like Chapter 6 (Climate Risk Measurement and Management) have 12–18 questions, while case-study chapters like Chapters 9 and 10 still account for 4–6 questions each.

4. Why Candidates Find It Difficult

Conceptual Density: Terms like systemic risk, transition finance, or biodiversity valuation are new for many.
Multi-Disciplinary Scope: The exam blends science, policy, finance, and strategy.
Real-World Relevance: Questions reflect current regulations, voluntary frameworks, and corporate case studies.
No Partial Credit: Every question is multiple choice; there's no room to explain logic.

5. Time Pressure and Cognitive Load

Managing 90 questions—including two extensive case studies—in four hours requires mental stamina. Some candidates spend too long on case studies and rush the rest.

Solution:

Practice timed exams.
Allocate 2.5 minutes per question max.
Skim case studies first, then read questions, then return to the context.

6. Required Readings: Critical but Easy to Skip

Many exam questions reference foundational readings:

GHG Protocol
TCFD Implementation
SBTi Guidelines
UN Principles for Responsible Investment

These are essential to understanding how sustainability is implemented in real organizations and regulatory practices.

Solution: Schedule time to summarize each reading. Consider how each aligns with exam chapters.

7. Scenario Analysis and Climate Modeling Pose Challenges

Chapter 7 is one of the most intellectually demanding sections. It requires understanding scientific projections, scenario design (like NGFS or IPCC RCPs), and their application to financial planning.

Solution:

Study real-world use cases in the SCR eBook.
Focus on understanding inputs, assumptions, and strategic implications.

8. Candidates Misjudge Difficulty Without a Plan

Those who skim the curriculum or cram in the last month often underestimate what’s involved.

Best Practice:

Spread study across 8–10 weeks
Spend more time on high-weight chapters (especially Chapter 6)
Use GARP’s practice test and eBook actively

9. How to Build a Winning Study Strategy

Step 1: Download and follow the Learning Objectives from GARP
Step 2: Create a weekly study plan
Step 3: Read and annotate the SCR eBook
Step 4: Use practice exams to simulate testing conditions
Step 5: Review case study frameworks (e.g., TCFD, PCAF, GFANZ, TNFD)

10. Confidence Comes with Contextual Understanding

Confidence doesn’t come from memorizing every acronym. It comes from knowing:

How frameworks like SBTi or IFRS S2 support transition planning
Why biodiversity and climate risk are increasingly linked
How climate models influence investment decisions

Outcome: You're able to apply your knowledge to real-world decisions, which is exactly what the SCR exam tests.

Conclusion: A Challenging but Achievable Certification

The SCR exam is difficult, but deliberately so. It’s meant to prepare professionals who can make informed decisions in a rapidly transforming global economy. With an October 2024 pass rate of 66%, it's clear that focused, strategic study pays off.

By understanding the interdisciplinary nature of the exam, building a robust study plan, using all of GARP’s provided resources, and approaching the exam with real-world context in mind, you’ll not only pass—you’ll be ready to lead.

Enhance your GARP SCR exam preparation with our comprehensive study packages —get started today to achieve success in 2025 exam window!