Can You Pass the GARP SCR Exam Without a Finance Background?

Absolutely. The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) is designed not only for finance professionals, but also for policy makers, sustainability leaders, engineers, researchers, consultants, and students. It welcomes candidates from non-finance backgrounds, recognizing that solving climate risk challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration. With the right preparation, anyone can succeed.

Here’s an in-depth guide based on official GARP resources to help you navigate the exam and succeed—even if you don’t have prior experience in finance or risk management.

1. The SCR Exam Is Built for a Broad Audience Pass the GARP SCR , GARP SCR

GARP’s 2025 Candidate Guide explicitly states that no prior experience in finance or climate risk is required to take the SCR exam. This accessibility makes it ideal for professionals in:

Environmental science
Public policy and international relations
Engineering
Sustainability and CSR
Academia
Nonprofits and government agencies

The curriculum is structured to take learners from foundational knowledge to practical application across climate science, policy, finance, and reporting.

2. Exam Content Is Interdisciplinary by Design

The exam is made up of 90 multiple-choice questions based on ten chapters. These chapters are carefully curated to reflect an integrated understanding of sustainability and climate risk:

Chapters 1–3 cover foundational knowledge: What is climate change? What is sustainability? What risks arise from climate change?
Chapters 4–5 explore sustainability policies, governance, and financial markets.
Chapters 6–7 go deeper into climate risk management and scenario analysis.
Chapters 8–10 are applied and case-study based, focusing on Net Zero, biodiversity, and emissions reporting.

Each chapter builds on the last and emphasizes application of knowledge over quantitative finance skills. Case studies offer practical insights into how organizations like Citi, Kellogg, L’Oréal, and HSBC tackle sustainability and risk. Pass the GARP SCR , GARP SCR

3. The Finance Concepts Are Explained Accessibly

Candidates without finance backgrounds often worry about unfamiliar financial concepts. However, the SCR curriculum is built with the beginner in mind. Financial topics are explained in plain English, with examples and diagrams. For example:

Green bonds and sustainability-linked loans are introduced conceptually, not mathematically.
ESG investing is discussed from a strategic and ethical lens.
Risk management terminology—like liquidity, credit, and market risk—is paired with real-world climate implications.

The focus is on understanding how climate-related risks influence financial outcomes—not on building financial models.

4. Required Readings Are Curated for Practical Understanding

To support candidates of all backgrounds, GARP includes accessible and practitioner-oriented readings in its curriculum. Some notable examples include:

“Implementing the Recommendations of the TCFD” – Real-world guidance on climate disclosures
“The GHG Protocol” – Clear standards for greenhouse gas accounting
“UN Principles for Responsible Investment” – Actionable guidelines for ESG integration

These are public, practitioner-focused resources that complement your study without assuming advanced financial knowledge.

5. Practice Exams and Learning Objectives Simplify Preparation

Each SCR registration includes a full-length practice exam and a detailed Learning Objectives document. These tools help non-finance professionals:

Break down exactly what you need to know per chapter
Focus your study efforts on high-weight topics like Chapter 6 (Climate Risk Measurement)
Prepare for real-world case questions, not just theoretical ones

The Learning Objectives explain in simple terms what each concept means and what is expected of you.

6. You Bring Unique Strengths from Non-Financial Fields

As a non-financial candidate, you may already have strengths that align well with the SCR content:

Policy analysts understand global frameworks like the Paris Agreement.
Engineers grasp systems thinking needed in scenario analysis.
Scientists and researchers are skilled in interpreting data and understanding environmental risks.
Sustainability officers are fluent in corporate ESG strategies and climate reporting.

These competencies allow you to excel in sections covering frameworks like GFANZ, TNFD, PCAF, and SBTi.

7. GARP’s Mission Encourages Inclusivity

GARP actively promotes the SCR as a solution to global climate challenges, recognizing that expertise must come from all disciplines. According to the Candidate Guide:

“The SCR Certificate enables business professionals to broaden their knowledge across sustainability and climate risk... Professionals from non-finance or non-risk roles become SCR Certificate Holders to develop specialized, practical knowledge.”

That means you’re not just welcome—you’re needed.

8. Career Opportunities Are Expanding for SCR Holders

Passing the SCR exam can open doors across industries, regardless of your background. Common roles for SCR holders include:

ESG Analyst
Sustainability Specialist
Risk Consultant
Environmental Engineer
Policy Advisor
Corporate Sustainability Manager

Employers of SCR-certified professionals include JPMorgan Chase, Google, United Nations, Shell, and the World Economic Forum.

9. How to Tailor Your Study Plan as a Non-Finance Candidate

If you’re new to financial risk terminology, use the following approach:

Spend more time on Chapters 5, 6, and 7 to build familiarity with finance-specific content.
Use visual aids, concept maps, and analogies.
Supplement with introductory ESG finance webinars or articles.
Join a study group to benefit from peer discussion.

Dedicate at least 120 hours of study time, with more for practical application and practice testing.

10. Your Perspective Is Part of the Solution

Climate risk is complex and interdisciplinary. Financial firms, governments, NGOs, and corporations all need people who can link scientific, policy, and social impacts to financial outcomes. The SCR certification allows you to bridge those worlds.

With commitment and curiosity, you can not only pass the exam—you can become a changemaker in one of the most urgent and dynamic areas of global risk management.

Yes, you can absolutely pass the GARP SCR exam without a finance background. The curriculum is built to be inclusive, the tools are designed to guide you, and your unique skills are critical to solving climate-related financial challenges.

With dedication, strategic preparation, and the right mindset, you’ll not only pass—you’ll thrive.

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