GARP SCR Certificate: A Handy Beginner’s Guide

One of the key lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we must react swiftly to high probability, high impact risks — and delays are costly.

The climate is changing. And the risks from climate change are only going to rise over the foreseeable future. As climate risk management continues to develop towards being a discrete job title, managing climate risks will be an integral component of a holistic risk management approach for all industries globally.

Here’s where the GARP SCR (Sustainability & Climate Risk) qualification comes in – check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about the latest updates!


Overview of the GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate (SCR)

garp scr sustainability and climate risk guide

Launched in January 2020 by Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) – which also runs the FRM program – SCR is a global climate risk management program designed to help professionals understand the effect of climate change on organizations and how to manage that risk.

It is created in response to growing demand for financial and non-financial firms alike to incorporate sustainability standards in their operations, primarily driven by climate change.

The SCR course is great for professionals who are looking to add climate risk management to their skillsets – not just for those working in finance but also in other disciplines such as supply chain management, operations and technology.

And it isn’t just for those professionals early in their career either, GARP expects to see meaningful demand for the SCR coming from the more senior ranks as well.

The course consists of 6 modules, covering:

  • foundations of climate change;
  • policy and regulation;
  • green and sustainable finance;
  • the science, effects and measurement of climate-related risks;
  • scenario analysis; and
  • emerging issues such as health effects and geopolitical impacts.

Registration opened in May 2020 for the first SCR exam in September, with GARP reporting that there are already candidates from more than 60 countries globally, coming from a myriad of industries, company types and stages of career – all reflecting the relevance of climate change risks across geographies, industries and career level.

Since the inception of SCR exams, more than 6,981 candidates have registered for the exam so far, with more than 2,000 SCR title holders. GARP has also recently announced some changes for October 2024’s exam and onwards which we will cover below.


SCR Certificate In A Nutshell

garp scr exam format summary

The SCR certification is designed to equip professionals with the understanding on how to manage the potential economic and operational impacts of a changing climate on their organizations. The impact of climate change is vast, and certainly not limited to just finance, but other disciplines such as supply chain management, technology and operations. 

For April 2024’s exam, the SCR exam consists of a one-part, computer-based testing exam consisting of 80 multiple choice questions with one case study in 3 hours. The exam is not highly quantitative and designed to be accessible to a wide audience.

From October 2024 onwards, GARP has announced some changes to the format and pricing of the SCR exam. The SCR exam format will be 90 multiple choice questions plus 2 case studies in 4 hours. There are new topics added for the October 2024 exams as well.

In terms of study hours, it is recommended that SCR exam candidates devote around 100 study hours in total to complete the qualification

The SCR exam can be taken in specific exam windows at Pearson Vue test centers internationally.

In terms of pass criteria, the questions are equally weighted and there are no negative markings for incorrect answers. There are no pre-determined pass/fail rates for the SCR Exams, with the passing score determined by SCR Advisory Committee.

There are no official timelines on when or how long it takes for exam results to be released, but so far SCR exam results are typically released 4 weeks after the exams.


GARP SCR Pass Rate

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Here are the SCR exam pass rates so far:

  • October 2023 = 55%
  • April 2023 = 57%
  • October 2022 = 51%
  • April 2022 = 54%
  • October 2021 = 55%
  • April 2021 = 52%

GARP has confirmed that cut-off scores will be determined through an industry best-practice methodology under the oversight of the SCR Advisory Committee. The expectation is that “properly prepared” candidates should fare well on the exam.​


Topic Areas & Weightings

cfa candidate reading list orig

The Sustainability & Climate Risk Certificate does a great job in covering a breadth of topics in 8 chapters that provides a holistic overview of the effective assessment and management of climate risks.​

​The topics areas, in-depth description and exam weights are as below:

Sustainability & Climate Risk Certificate TopicsDescriptionTopic Weights
​Foundations of Climate ChangeThis chapter focuses on the foundational concepts of climate change, including the underlying science and global policy responses.12.5%
SustainabilityThis chapter discusses the broad topic of “sustainability,” particularly as it relates to public policies, corporate actions, and financial institutions. 12.5%
Climate Change RiskThis chapter focuses on the financial risks linked to climate change, mainly physical risk and transition risk.12.5%
Policy, Culture and GovernanceThe chapter is all about the responses of financial institutions, regulators, and international bodies to emerging climate risks.12.5%
​Green and Sustainable Finance: Instruments and MarketsThis module looks into the emergence of financial sector tools and markets born out of the global response to climate change.12.5%
Climate Risk Measurement and ManagementThe area of focus here is the risks from climate change and how do we measure and manage these risks.18.8%
Climate Scenario AnalysisThe chapter explains the development and application of climate scenario analysis, the types of scenarios that exist, and what information they can provide.12.5%
Net ZeroThis chapter provides an overview of the concept of net zero and its implications for different players in the economy.6.2%

Exam Fees

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SCR exam fees vary depending on:

  • your membership status with Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP);
  • whether you have other GARP certifications such as Financial Risk Manager (FRM) or Energy Risk Professional (ERP);
  • whether you’re a new or returning candidate. 
Fees, US$SCR Certificate
Exam FeesFor non-GARP members: $650 for Early registration, $750 for Standard registration (April 2024). From October 2024, it would be $725 for early registration, $825 for Standard registration.

For GARP members (Individual member): $550 for Early registration, $650 for Standard registration (April 2024). Bear in mind that Individual membership costs $195 per year. From October 2024, it would be $625 for early registration, $725 for Standard registration.

For candidates who are Certified FRM / ERP: $525 for Early registration, $625 for Standard registration (April 2024). From October 2024, it would be $600 for early registration, $700 for Standard registration.
Retake Fees
​(if applicable)
​For one retake within next 2 exam windows (12 months): $350

Otherwise, full exam fee applies for retakes after 12 months. If the curriculum changes before the candidate retakes the SCR exam, an updated electronic version of the curriculum will be made available to the candidate free of charge.

SCR Exam Dates

scr exam dates

SCR exams are conducted via an in-person computer-based testing (CBT) exam at Pearson Vue centers globally.

SCR exams are held twice a year in April and October with the following key registration deadlines:

SCR Exam Dates and DeadlinesApril 2024October 2024
Registration opens1 Dec 20231 May 2024
Early registration deadline31 Jan 202431 Jul 2024
Standard registration deadline31 Mar 202430 Sep 2024
Scheduling deadline26 Apr 202431 Oct 2024
Exam Window20-28 Apr 202419 Oct – 2 Nov 2024

Once registered, you can schedule an in-person computer based test (CBT) at a Pearson VUE test center. SCR candidates must schedule an exam at least 48 hours prior to their desired exam start time, only for the exam window they’re registered for.

The in-person computer based exams slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates who do not schedule an exam by the deadline must re-register and pay the applicable fees.


What Are the Requirements for GARP SCR Certificate?

Just like the Certificate in ESG Investing, there are no work experience or prior qualifications required to sit for the SCR exam. 

Candidates who successfully pass the SCR exam can claim a digital badge for LinkedIn and an electronic certificate from GARP.


Benefits of the SCR Certification

Having the SCR Certificate could be a key differentiator in the risk management sector, which could be helpful if you’re job hunting in the current economic conditions. 

Similar to the Certificate in ESG Investing in terms of cost and time required, it does seem to be a cost effective investment for risk professionals to upgrade their skillset with climate risk management credentials.

By completing and earning the Sustainability & Climate Risk Certificate, you can expect to:

  • Apply principles of sustainability and climate risk management in current and future roles;
  • Improve your career prospects and increase your competitive advantage;
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and tools necessary to assess and manage the sustainability and climate risk challenges many industries face.
  • Gain a globally recognized qualification (and digital badge) from GARP
  • ​Pave your way for further finance designation such as FRMCFA, or CAIA as you further specialize.

GARP SCR vs CFA ESG Investing Certificate: Which Is Right for You?

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We are comparing GARP’s SCR vs CFA ESG Investing certificates below, although it is worth mentioning that EFFAS’ Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) is a higher Diploma level certificate in ESG investing that is also worth considering as you’ll get a proper title upon passing (CESGA or Certified ESG Analyst), which is not present in either CFA ESG Investing or GARP’s SCR certificate below.

In short, while both qualifications focus on sustainable investing, there are some slight differences in focus about them:

  • Sustainability & Climate Risk (SCR) certificate mainly focuses on educating professionals on how to manage the main environmental risk (arguably just the “E” part of ESG), i.e. climate change.
  • On the other hand, Certificate in ESG Investing has a slightly broader focus on ESG factors, and how the investment industry can adapt to that change in investor preferences. That said, it also covers a section on climate change (including climate mitigation, and adaptation and resilience) and a range of climate change initiatives. 

​Both GARP’s SCR and CFA Institute’s ESG Investing Certificate are available globally, with the latter offering online proctoring option in certain markets.

While both are good quality qualifications from reputable organizations, the choice depends on which certificate has more relevance to your preferred career path: investments or risk management.

GARP’s Sustainability & Climate Risk (SCR)CFA Institute’s ESG Investing Certificate
Suitable forRisk management professionals of all disciplines (finance, supply chain, operations, technology etc) who are keen to learn about sustainability and how to manage climate risk in their industries.Students interested in a risk management career.​Students who are keen on an investment career; orInvestment professionals of all roles (asset management, sales & distribution, wealth management, product development, financial advice, consulting, risk etc), who are looking to understand and integrate ESG issues into the investment process
Pre-exam qualifications​None​None, although some insights in the investment process is strongly recommended (via formal qualification or experience)
Number of Exams1​1
​Exam Frequency2 exam cycles a year (April and October) with 1 week exam window eachAvailable to book throughout the year (except weekends and holidays)

Also available to book for remote/online proctoring globally throughout the year.

Maximum 4 attempts in 4 months​​
​Exam Format90 multiple-choice questions plus 2 case studies in 4 hours

In-person computer-based testing only
100 multiple-choice and item set questions in 2 hours and 20 minutes

On-site computer-based testing and remote testing
Pass Rates55% (Oct 2023)Between 60%-75%​
​Fees and CostsAround US$ 600-825 depending on GARP membership status or presence of other credentials$675
Study Hours Needed100 hours100-130 hours
​Post Exam RequirementsNone, although there are 20 hours of voluntary continuous professional development (CPD) every 2 yearsNone

Overall, the SCR certificate seems to be a cost efficient means of augmenting and signalling your climate risk management knowledge in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

If you are in risk management, regardless of industry or discipline (finance, supply chain, operations, technology etc), the SCR certificate could prove useful in broadening your skillset as climate change issues are brought to the forefront of every company’s agenda. If you’re a student keen to start a career in risk management of any industry, the SCR certificate can be a valuable differentiator. 


Is the GARP SCR Certificate something you’d consider taking on to enhance your job prospects? Let us know in the comments below!

Meanwhile, you may find these related articles in our Beginner’s Guide series of interest:

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20 thoughts on “GARP SCR Certificate: A Handy Beginner’s Guide”

    • Good question. I’ve also been waiting on the results which say “mid-November” on the candidate portal. Anyone have any additional information on this?

      Reply
  1. I just sat for the 2022 Oct SCR exam. This is not a fair exam. You could completely understand the text, completed 4 rounds of review and memorise everything you needed to memorise and yet still cannot pass this exam. Very disappointing. Working adults such as myself have to make a strong commitment to put in the effort and time not to mention sacrifice family time and obligations to do this. Ended up to be such a waste of our time, effort and be robbed of our belief in the principle of reward comes with effort.

    Reply
    • My exact thoughts! I took the exam in April and was very disappointed with the resuts. The text and end-of-chapter questions do not, in any way, reflect the exam itself. The practice exam is inadequate as a prep for the exam; there should be several full-length practice exams. The effort and money spent in utter futility is really depressing.

      Reply
      • Hi KA,

        I have written a complaint to GARP. Their SVP on Exam Admin and Member Services responded that they are looking into the matter and will respond. Separately, I have also written to the CEO and some members of their Board of Trustees. Let’s see if anyone will respond with an appropriate answer. Otherwise, my next stop is their Chairman. I am determined to incorporate what I have learned from this syllabus – whether as a consumer or an investor (on my own education) to be an active owner of my investment monies, using that to force stakeholder engagement and influence and challenge others to do the same, to deal with this matter. We have learned the impact of broader societal implication and importance of coalition in driving change. We need to hold GAPR accountable, examine their process and doing the right thing in profiting from this. This is taught under the Principles for Responsible Investment and I find it very appropriate in this context. I asked that you consider the same.

        Reply
        • Its a valid point, lets hope that the GARP committee/Trustees have constructive response to that.

          Even i have written to them but all i have received is ‘automated responses’

          Regards

          Reply
    • Where can we get to see the results of OCT 22 SCR please ?. been writing to them but no reply. no email as well. is there any other way we one can see the result of oct 22 SCR exam pl

      Reply
      • Same here, been trying to contact them with no reply. It is mentioned on the website that the results will be released mid-November but still nothing there!

        Reply
  2. on webpage ‘GARP’s Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate: A Beginner’s Guide’ while doing comparison between SCR and ESG its stated : ‘Overall, the SCR certificate seems to be a cost efficient means of augmenting and signalling your climate risk management knowledge in an increasingly competitive marketplace.’ however, while doing same comparison, on webpage ‘CFA UK Certificate In ESG Investing: A Beginner’s Guide’ for same comparison, it states : ‘Overall, the Certificate in ESG Investing seems to be a cost efficient means to signal your green finance credentials in this increasingly competitive marketplace.’ can we have real winner here please.

    Reply
    • Hi Anand, when I wrote this article, I do mean what I say in those statements. It really depends what you’re going for and nature of work: Certificate in ESG is much broader in scope, whilst SCR is focused deeper on the “E” part of ESG only. I would say if you are working in risk management, SCR is probably more helpful given the current climate focus. If you are involved in investment decision making, Certificate in ESG is probably more applicable as you need to consider all aspects of ESG for that, not just climate risk. A recent article we wrote on asset management outlook globally would be an interesting read as well (https://www.300hours.com/articles/asset-management-outlook-jobs-impact) as ESG is part of that trend. Both qualifications are cost effective in my view, and are quite new certifications launched in the last year. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  3. Hi K, you raise a good point. Other than the 10 questions provided by GARP SCR’s program as practice questions, there isn’t much of a SCR question bank or mock exam product (yet). However, my understanding is that the material is quite qualitative, and the exam is a fair representation of the reading material. Hope this helps.

    Reply
  4. Dear Moderator, It is much better to have the early adaptation program, just like other famous institute such as ISACA (done for CPDSE), for ERM partitions, crisis/risk managers, and holders of related qualifications of sustainability, without taking SCR examination. This would further speed up the useability of this certificate for advocate sustainability risk management and implementation for contributing to the society. Best regards, Dr Danny Ha Chairman Academy of Professional Certification Affiliate member GARP, Certified ISO member of ISO 31000 Holder of Cambridge University CISL Sustainability Certificate Holder of ERM professional certification and CRP (Certified Risk Planner) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhaprofile/

    Reply

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