Common Pitfalls in GARP SCR Case Studies and How to Avoid Them
- Kateryna Myrko
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
The GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) exam’s case study section challenges candidates to demonstrate deep understanding, practical analysis, and application of complex concepts under exam pressure. However, many candidates stumble on specific, common pitfalls that impact their performance. Recognizing these traps and adopting strategies to avoid them can transform your exam outcome.
1. Failing to Fully Understand the Scenario Context
Why It Matters:Every case study in the SCR exam is designed to simulate realistic, nuanced scenarios — whether it’s a financial institution assessing transition risk, a corporation reporting on climate-related disclosures, or evaluating regulatory implications. The scenario context provides essential clues that shape the correct answers. GARP SCR Case Studies
Pitfall Details GARP SCR Case Studies
Candidates sometimes dive into questions without thoroughly reading or internalizing the scenario.
They apply generic “textbook” answers ignoring scenario specifics.
Overlooking the unique environmental, regulatory, or organizational details leads to misinterpretation.
How to Avoid
Allocate time to a careful initial reading—skim first for a big-picture understanding, then a close read to spot key facts.
Annotate the scenario: underline or note mentions of regulation, risk factors, geographic context, corporate goals, data points.
Ask yourself: What is unique about this organization, this market, or this regulatory environment?
Tailor your answers specifically to the scenario, not just the curriculum.
2. Missing Critical or Relevant Data in Exhibits
Why It Matters:The SCR case studies typically include charts, tables, and exhibits packed with quantitative and qualitative data—carbon emissions metrics, risk ratings, financial figures, regulatory deadlines, and more. Missing or misreading these can doom an otherwise well-reasoned answer.
Pitfall Details
Overlooking data in one of several exhibits.
Confusing units, metrics, or time periods.
Relying on memory instead of checking data within the scenario.
How to Avoid
Develop a habit of systematically reviewing every exhibit as soon as you read the scenario.
Highlight or jot down essential figures: emission levels, scenario assumptions, risk scores, disclosure timelines.
When answering questions, double-check your calculations and data references.
Practice with past or mock case studies to sharpen this skill.
3. Misapplying or Confusing Key Frameworks (TCFD, IFRS S2, NGFS)
Why It Matters:Understanding the scope and application of major frameworks is vital. The SCR exam tests when and how these frameworks apply under different scenarios—governance disclosures under TCFD, reporting under IFRS S2, scenario use under NGFS, etc.
Pitfall Details
Confusing TCFD’s focus on governance with IFRS S2’s reporting disclosure requirements.
Citing NGFS scenarios incorrectly—e.g., mixing physical and transition risks.
Applying framework criteria out of context or beyond their scope.
How to Avoid
Create detailed yet concise notes summarizing each framework:
TCFD: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets.
IFRS S2: Climate-related financial disclosures based on international accounting standards.
NGFS: Scenario-based physical and transition risk stress tests.
During study, actively match questions or scenarios to the framework involved.
Revisit official GARP materials to ensure your understanding is current.
Use elimination strategies to discard answers that misalign with framework criteria.
4. Choosing “Plausible but Incorrect” Answers—Falling for
Distractors
Why It Matters:SCR case study questions often include multiple plausible-sounding choices to separate candidates who truly understand nuances from those who guess.
Pitfall Details
Selecting answers that sound generally correct but ignore a subtle scenario fact.
Overlooking small qualifiers like “most accurate” or “best reflects.”
Not justifying choices, leading to second-guessing or confusion.
How to Avoid
Practice process of elimination meticulously.
For each answer choice, ask: What makes this correct or incorrect within this scenario?
Develop a habit of rationalizing your choices mentally as you answer, reinforcing correct options and spotting flaws in distractors.
Review explanations from practice exams to understand why distractors exist.
5. Time Management Errors—Rushing or Getting Stuck
Why It Matters:The SCR exam puts you under strict time pressure. Case studies are complex and lengthy. Poor time allocation can mean rushing answers—leading to mistakes—or spending too long on tough questions and missing others.
Pitfall Details
Spending excessive time on one tricky question.
Leaving less complex questions rushed or unanswered.
Underestimating the time needed to comprehend long scenarios.
How to Avoid
Practice under timed conditions repeatedly before exam day.
Develop a time allocation plan — roughly 30–40 minutes per case study depending on exam length.
If stuck, mark the question, move on, and return if time permits.
Train yourself to make good judgment calls on when an answer is “good enough” and move on.
6. Focusing Only on Quantitative Parts—Neglecting Qualitative Analysis
Why It Matters:While many questions involve numbers (carbon footprints, risk scores), others examine governance, strategy, disclosures, or risk management concepts in depth. Ignoring qualitative factors can lose vital points.
Pitfall Details
Candidates sometimes rush through narrative questions, missing nuances about governance or ESG considerations.
Treating the case as math-only rather than integrating strategic insights.
How to Avoid
For each question, identify whether it targets quantitative or qualitative skills.
Summarize narrative points in your mind or notes: e.g., governance weaknesses, disclosure gaps, strategic misalignments.
Practice writing quick notes or bullet points on qualitative topics.
Use frameworks like TCFD clearly to structure qualitative answers.
7. Exam Stress Leading to Careless Errors or Misreading Questions
Why It Matters:The pressure of the SCR exam environment can cause candidates to misread questions, misinterpret data, or skip critical instructions.
Pitfall Details
Misunderstanding “which is NOT true” type questions.
Overlooking “most appropriate” or “best reflects” phrasing.
Fatigue causing skipped paragraphs or tables.
How to Avoid
Build exam-day stamina by simulating full exam conditions in practice.
Read questions twice before answering, especially negatives or qualifiers.
Develop calming techniques such as deep breathing, short mental breaks, or stretching.
Stay hydrated and arrive early.
Practical Summary: How to Avoid These Pitfalls Step-By-Step
Read and annotate the case thoroughly.
Review all provided data carefully, highlight key points.
Match your answers explicitly to scenario specifics and applicable frameworks.
Use elimination to distinguish between plausible options.
Manage your exam time prudently — don’t get stuck.
Balance quantitative analysis with qualitative insights.
Stay calm, focused, and re-check where possible.
Final Tips: Building Resilience and Exam Readiness
Join study groups to discuss case studies from different perspectives.
Debrief every practice case study: identify what went well and what could improve.
Use official GARP SCR materials—latest editions only.
Don’t memorize answers—master the reasoning process.
By learning to recognize and avoid these common pitfalls, you’ll boost your confidence and score in the GARP SCR exam’s case study section, putting yourself on a path for success in sustainable finance and climate risk management.
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