How to Prepare for the GARP SCR and Pass Without Wasting Study Hours

Kateryna Myrko
Aug 13
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

How to Prepare for the GARP SCR and Pass Without Wasting Study Hours

The GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate is a forward-looking credential for professionals aiming to master sustainability and climate-related risk management. Issued by the Global Association of Risk Professionals, it demonstrates your ability to understand climate science, analyze policy and regulatory frameworks, and integrate climate risk into financial decision-making.

With climate risk now a boardroom and regulatory priority, the SCR is a career-defining achievement. Passing on your first attempt, however, requires a targeted strategy—one that focuses on mastering the right topics, managing time effectively, and practicing with purpose.

1. Understand the Current Exam Format How to Prepare for the GARP SCR and Pass

The SCR exam follows a clear structure: How to Prepare for the GARP SCR and Pass

80 multiple-choice questions, including one integrated case study
Four hours total exam time
Pass/fail grading (no penalty for incorrect answers)
Available via test center or online proctoring
Offered in two annual windows—typically April–May and October–November

Knowing the precise format allows you to reverse-engineer your preparation and avoid wasting time on outdated or irrelevant exam structures.

2. Build a Smart Study Plan

A well-designed plan balances content coverage with review time. A 10-week schedule works for most candidates, though you can stretch or compress it based on your availability.

Example 10-Week Timeline:

Weeks	Focus Areas
1–3	Foundations: climate science, sustainability principles, policy, and governance
4–6	Green and sustainable finance, climate disclosures, carbon accounting, risk measurement & modeling
7–8	Scenario analysis, stress testing, transition planning, nature-related risks
9–10	Full-length mock exams, targeted review, and refining time-management techniques

This sequence builds conceptual understanding before applying knowledge in timed conditions.

3. Study Smarter, Not Harder

Prioritize high-value topics Heavier-weighted areas—such as climate risk measurement—should get proportionally more time. Foundations and governance also underpin much of the case study.

Actively engage with material Instead of passively reading, summarize concepts in your own words, create diagrams, and quiz yourself. Active recall cements memory faster.

Connect concepts to application The exam tests how you apply frameworks, not just recite definitions. For example:

Link policy changes to potential portfolio impacts.
Interpret stress test outputs in a risk context.
Evaluate a company’s climate strategy using disclosure data.

4. Practice From the Beginning

Many candidates save practice until the end—this is a mistake. Practice is not just assessment; it’s learning.

After each topic, do 10–15 related questions to reinforce key points.
Weekly mixed-topic quizzes build integration skills across the syllabus.
In the final three weeks, complete at least two full mock exams under timed conditions to build pacing and stamina.

5. Time Management for Exam Day

With 80 questions in four hours, you have an average of three minutes per question—but the case study will require more time and deeper thinking.

Use a two-pass approach:

Pass One: Answer all straightforward questions, skipping those you can’t answer in under 90 seconds.
Pass Two: Return to flagged questions and work through the case study methodically.
Final Review: Reserve the last 45–60 minutes to revisit tricky items and check your work.

6. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Studying outdated formats – The current structure is 80 questions, one case study; anything else is old information.
Ignoring logistics – Register, schedule, and check ID requirements early to avoid last-minute surprises.
Overlooking the case study – It integrates multiple topics and tests applied judgment, so practice synthesizing information from different parts of the syllabus.
Neglecting official errata – Syllabus updates and corrections can affect your prep; check them before you start studying.

7. Exam-Day Best Practices

Arrive or log in early to allow time for technical setup or check-in procedures.
Read all questions carefully—some are nuanced, especially around definitions or regulatory frameworks.
Use elimination tactics to narrow down choices and improve your odds when guessing.
Stay calm—the exam is designed for a well-prepared candidate to finish with time to spare.

8. Post-Exam: Leveraging Your Certification

Passing the SCR is not the end—it’s a launchpad.

Join sustainability and climate risk professional networks to exchange insights.
Stay current with evolving regulations, frameworks, and climate reporting standards.
Apply the knowledge in your current role—whether in portfolio management, corporate governance, or regulatory compliance.

9. First-Attempt Success Checklist

Step	Action
1	Learn the current exam format and syllabus
2	Create a structured study plan with clear milestones
3	Prioritize high-weight and complex topics
4	Use active recall and concept application methods
5	Integrate practice questions from the start
6	Complete at least two timed full mock exams
7	Avoid outdated resources and logistical errors
8	Execute a disciplined time-management plan on exam day
9	Engage in ongoing learning after certification

The GARP SCR exam equips you to navigate one of the most urgent and complex issues in finance—sustainability and climate risk. Passing on the first attempt doesn’t require endless study hours; it requires focused, purposeful preparation.

Master the content that matters most, apply it through consistent practice, manage your time like a professional, and you’ll enter the exam confident and ready to succeed.

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