What Is the GARP SCR Exam? A Beginner’s Guide to the Sustainability and Climate Risk Certification

As climate change increasingly reshapes the global economy, the demand for professionals who understand sustainability and climate-related financial risk is at an all-time high. Whether you're working in finance, risk management, corporate strategy, or sustainability, the need to integrate climate intelligence into decision-making is now essential. This is where the Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) becomes invaluable.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down what the SCR exam is, why it matters, and how it can support your career in the green economy.

What Is the SCR Certification? What Is the GARP SCR Exam , Sustainability and Climate Risk Certification

The SCR Certificate is a globally recognized credential designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage the financial impacts of climate change. Offered by GARP, an internationally respected leader in risk education, the SCR program helps bridge the gap between sustainability science and financial practice.

It is not limited to risk professionals—it's open to a wide range of individuals from banking, asset management, insurance, corporate governance, and sustainability sectors. The certification affirms your expertise in climate-related risk and your readiness to contribute to an organization's climate strategy and risk frameworks. What Is the GARP SCR Exam , Sustainability and Climate Risk Certification

Who Should Take the SCR Exam?

The SCR certification is ideal for:

Risk managers looking to incorporate climate risk into enterprise risk management
Finance professionals working with ESG and sustainable investing
Sustainability officers, consultants, and analysts
Policy advisors and regulatory professionals
Corporate strategists focusing on decarbonization and transition planning

No prerequisites are required, making it accessible even to beginners with no prior climate or sustainability background.

Why Is the SCR Certification Important?

Climate risk is financial risk. As global economies transition to low-carbon models, companies face increasing exposure to physical risks (like extreme weather) and transition risks (such as regulatory shifts and market changes). Investors, regulators, and stakeholders are demanding transparency in how organizations measure and manage these risks.

The SCR certification addresses this demand by providing structured, credible training that aligns with leading regulatory frameworks and market practices. It prepares professionals to:

Assess and report climate-related financial risks
Interpret climate scenarios and apply them to stress testing
Understand and implement sustainability metrics and reporting standards (e.g., TCFD)
Support climate transition planning and net-zero strategies

SCR Curriculum: What You Will Learn

The SCR program includes ten key topics, each designed to build a foundational and applied understanding of sustainability and climate risk:

Foundations of Climate Change – Scientific principles, greenhouse gases, and global warming trends
Sustainability – ESG integration, CSR, and sustainable development goals
Climate Change Risk – Physical, transition, and liability risks
Policy, Culture, and Governance – Global climate policy frameworks and internal governance
Green and Sustainable Finance – Instruments like green bonds and ESG investment strategies
Climate Risk Measurement and Management – Metrics, modeling tools, and risk controls
Climate Models and Scenario Analysis – IPCC pathways, scenario planning, and forecasting
Net Zero – Transition plans, carbon neutrality, and offset strategies
Nature Risk and Biodiversity – Ecosystem risks and natural capital
Carbon Reporting and Transition Planning – Corporate reporting and carbon accounting

This curriculum ensures candidates are well-rounded and capable of supporting cross-functional sustainability initiatives.

Exam Details and Logistics

Format: 90 multiple-choice questions (including two case studies)
Duration: 4 hours
Delivery: In-person at Pearson VUE centers or online via remote proctoring
Scoring: Pass/fail

Study Materials and Support

Registration includes access to:

A digital eBook covering all topics
A full-length practice exam
A personalized online learning platform
Study guides and learning objectives

GARP recommends 100–150 hours of preparation. The materials are designed to accommodate professionals with varying levels of experience.

Registration Fees and Exam Windows

Standard Fee: USD 825 (includes study materials and exam)
Exam Windows: April and October each year
Deferral Option: Available for a USD 150 administrative fee

Payments can be made by credit card, Alipay, wire transfer, or ACH. Note that wire and ACH payments include a USD 50 processing fee.

Benefits of Earning the SCR Certificate

Global Recognition: Endorsed by employers across financial services and corporate sectors
Career Advancement: Qualifies you for roles in ESG, sustainability, and risk management
Regulatory Readiness: Prepares you to align with emerging climate disclosure requirements
Community Access: Join GARP’s global network of 279,000+ professionals

Final Thoughts: Is SCR Right for You?

If you’re interested in becoming part of the solution to the climate crisis while advancing your career in finance, strategy, or sustainability, the SCR certification is a powerful step forward. It delivers practical knowledge, international credibility, and a toolkit to help organizations manage climate risks and seize opportunities in the green economy.

Whether you’re just starting your journey in climate finance or looking to enhance your existing expertise, the SCR exam offers a well-rounded, accessible path to becoming a sustainability-literate professional in today’s evolving financial world.

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