What to Expect on the October 2025 GARP SCR: A Candidate’s Roadmap

Kateryna Myrko
Jul 30
4 min read

Earning the GARP Sustainability & Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate in October 2025 will require both a firm grasp of ESG theory and the ability to apply it under time pressure. This roadmap distills the latest exam structure, content breakdown, key dates, and proven study strategies into a concise guide—so you can enter test day fully prepared.

1. Exam Format & Delivery Options What to Expect on the October 2025 GARP SCRWhat to Expect on the October 2025 GARP SCR

The October 2025 SCR is delivered exclusively via computer—either at a Pearson VUE test center or through OnVUE’s remote‑proctoring platform. You’ll face 90 multiple‑choice questions, including two multi‑part case studies, all to be completed within four hours . On‑site testing offers a distraction‑free environment and live technical support; remote testing grants scheduling flexibility but demands a stable internet connection, a private workspace, and completion of a room scan and ID check before you begin.

2. Key Dates & Registration Windows

Exam Window: October 18 – November 1, 2025
Early Registration (Discounted Fees): May 1 – July 31, 2025
Standard Registration: August 1 – September 30, 2025
Scheduling Deadline: Must schedule your appointment at least 48 hours before your chosen test date. What to Expect on the October 2025 GARP SCR

Membership status affects fee levels, with FRM/ERP holders enjoying the lowest rates and non‑members paying the highest. Plan your registration early to secure preferred locations or remote slots and to benefit from discounted pricing.

3. Content Breakdown & Weightings

The SCR curriculum divides into 10 chapters, each contributing a specified range of questions toward your total score :

Chapter	Topic	Questions
1	Foundations of Climate Change	8–12
2	Sustainability Concepts	8–12
3	Climate Risk Drivers	8–12
4	Policy, Culture & Governance	8–12
5	Sustainable Finance Markets & Instruments	8–12
6	Climate Risk Measurement & Management	12–18
7	Climate Models & Scenario Analysis	8–12
8	Net‑Zero Concepts	4–6
9	Climate & Nature Risk Assessment	4–6
10	Transition Planning & Reporting	4–6

High‑weight chapters include 6 (risk measurement & management) and 7 (scenario analysis), which together make up roughly 30% of the exam. Yet all chapters demand application skills—from interpreting Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) to evaluating carbon‑reporting frameworks.

4. Question Formats & Case Studies

Standalone MCQs (~80 questions) test your grasp of definitions, frameworks (e.g., TCFD vs. ISSB), and short‑form applications such as identifying material climate‑risk drivers.
Two multi‑part case studies (~4 questions each) present a narrative vignette—complete with data exhibits—followed by steps requiring data interpretation (e.g., weighted‑average carbon intensity), quantitative application (e.g., stress‑test exposure calculations), and strategic recommendations (e.g., engagement or hedging tactics) .

To build the agility needed for case sets, practice under strict timing: aim to spend no more than 20–25 minutes per case.

5. Proven Six‑Month Study Plan

Months 1–2: Chapters 1–3
- Focus on foundational climate science and broad sustainability frameworks.
Months 3–4: Chapters 4–7
- Delve into policy/governance, market instruments, risk measurement, and scenario analysis.
Month 5: Chapters 8–10
- Cover net‑zero strategies, nature‑risk assessment, and transition‑plan reporting.
Month 6:
- Execute full‑length mocks, targeted weak‑spot drills, errata reviews, and maintain a policy‑tracker for the latest regulatory updates.

Weekly Routine

Mon–Wed: Read and annotate one section; condense into bullet‑point notes.
Thu: Drill end‑of‑chapter question banks (official and third‑party).
Fri: Conduct a case‑study drill or flashcard review of key frameworks.
Weekend: Complete timed mini‑mocks (30–45 questions) and analyze performance trends.

6. Essential Tools & Resources

2025 SCR Candidate Guide (GARP.org): Official LOs, exam policies, and published errata.
Official Practice Exams: GARP’s mock tests mirror real exam conditions.
Policy Alerts: Set up Google Alerts for “IFRS S2 updates,” “EU CSRD climate reporting,” and “TNFD” to keep your examples fresh and exam‑relevant.

7. Exam‑Day Best Practices

Technical Check (Remote): Run the OnVUE system test at least 72 hours before your exam.
Arrival (In‑Person): Reach the test center 30 minutes early with valid photo ID.
Time Management: Allocate approximately 1.5 minutes per MCQ; reserve 20–25 minutes per case study.
Break Strategy: You’re allowed one clock‑pause—use it for a quick mental reset only.
Final Errata Review: In your last week, re‑check GARP’s errata document to ensure no outdated content remains in your notes.

Success on the October 2025 SCR exam hinges on mastering both conceptual frameworks and their practical applications under time constraints. By internalizing the exam structure, prioritizing high‑weight chapters, sharpening case‑study techniques, and following a disciplined six‑month roadmap, you’ll build the analytical agility and confidence to excel. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a certified sustainability and climate‑risk professional!

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