How to Pass the GARP SCR Exam: Complete Study Guide for October 2025
- Kateryna Myrko
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
The GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) exam is becoming increasingly important for risk professionals worldwide. With the October 2025 exam window now open for registration, candidates need a clear strategy to pass this challenging certification. This comprehensive guide provides actionable steps to help you succeed on your first attempt. How to Pass the GARP SCR Exam
Understanding the SCR Exam Format How to Pass the GARP SCR Exam
Before diving into study strategies, you need to understand what you're facing. The SCR exam comprises 80 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions, including one case study, that require both analytical thinking and practical application, with candidates allotted four hours to complete the exam.
Key Exam Details:
80 multiple-choice questions
4-hour time limit
One integrated case study
No negative marking for incorrect answers
Pass/fail scoring (no predetermined pass rate)
Questions are equally weighted
This format means you have approximately 3 minutes per question. Time management is crucial, especially when you encounter the case study, which typically requires more time to analyze.
How Much Time Should You Study?
GARP recommends an estimated 100-150 hours of preparation time to be successful on the SCR Exam, and advises early registration to allow for a comfortable study pace.
Your actual study time depends on your background:
100-120 Hours: If you have experience in finance, risk management, or sustainability 130-150 Hours: If you're new to climate risk or changing careers 150+ Hours: If you're new to both finance and climate topics
For the October 2025 exam window, start your preparation at least 10-12 weeks before your scheduled exam date. This allows you to study 10-15 hours per week without burning out.
Official GARP Study Materials
GARP provides comprehensive resources that should form the foundation of your study plan:
1. SCR Exam Book
The official SCR Exam Book includes 10 chapters with associated learning objectives and illustrative case studies covering foundations of climate change, sustainability, climate change risk, policy and governance, green finance, risk measurement and management, climate models and scenario analysis, net zero, climate and nature risk assessment, and transition planning.
All registered candidates receive a complimentary eBook. You can also purchase the printed book for USD 300 plus shipping if you prefer physical materials.
2. Study Guide and Learning Objectives
The SCR Study Guide and Learning Objectives helps candidates self-study for the SCR Exam by summarizing chapters from the official SCR Book and listing required online readings, the number of exam questions per chapter, and associated learning objectives.
This document is your roadmap. It tells you exactly how many questions come from each chapter, helping you prioritize your study time.
3. GARP Learning Platform
GARP Learning is a streamlined digital learning platform available for registered candidates that allows them to view the full SCR curriculum, take a full-length SCR Practice Exam, monitor study performance, create personalized study plans, access GARP-produced videos, and test knowledge with practice questions.
The platform also includes the Climate Practical Applied Learning (PAL) tool, which offers case-based learning scenarios similar to what you'll face on exam day.
4. Required Online Readings
Beyond the exam book, you must study additional online readings. These are mandatory and will appear on the exam. Don't skip them thinking the book is enough.
Your 12-Week Study Plan
Weeks 1-2: Foundation Building
Read the SCR Candidate Guide completely
Review the Study Guide to understand the exam structure
Complete Chapter 1 (Foundations of Climate Change)
Take notes on key concepts and definitions
Weeks 3-5: Core Curriculum (Part 1)
Study Chapters 2-5 thoroughly
Focus on: Sustainability, Climate Change Risk, Policy and Governance, Green Finance
Complete practice questions after each chapter
Review required online readings
Weeks 6-8: Core Curriculum (Part 2)
Study Chapters 6-10
Focus on: Risk Measurement, Climate Models, Net Zero, Nature Risk, Transition Planning
Complete all practice questions
Start noting areas where you're weak
Weeks 9-10: Practice and Review
Take the full-length practice exam on GARP Learning
Analyze your results carefully
Review weak areas intensively
Redo difficult practice questions
Week 11: Intensive Review
Review all chapters focusing on learning objectives
Practice the PAL tool case studies
Create summary sheets for quick reference
Focus on calculations and formulas
Week 12: Final Preparation
Light review of your summary sheets
Practice time management with timed questions
Review the case study format
Get adequate rest before exam day
Smart Study Strategies
1. Focus on Learning Objectives
Every chapter has specific learning objectives. The exam questions directly test these objectives. Don't waste time on interesting tangents—focus on what the exam will actually ask.
2. Master the Case Study Format
The integrated case study can make or break your exam performance. Practice analyzing multi-layered scenarios that require you to apply knowledge from different chapters. The PAL tool is excellent for this.
3. Understand, Don't Memorize
The exam tests analytical thinking and practical application, not rote memorization. Focus on understanding concepts deeply so you can apply them to new scenarios.
4. Use Active Learning Techniques
Explain concepts out loud as if teaching someone
Create mind maps connecting different topics
Write your own practice questions
Join study groups to discuss challenging topics
5. Practice Time Management
During practice sessions, time yourself. You need to answer questions efficiently without rushing. If you're stuck on a question, mark it and move on—you can return later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Required Readings: Many candidates fail because they only study the exam book. The online readings are mandatory.
Starting Too Late: 100+ hours of study is significant. Don't underestimate the time needed.
Ignoring Weak Areas: If you struggle with climate models or scenario analysis, don't skip it. These topics will appear on the exam.
Not Taking Practice Exams: The practice exam is your best predictor of success. Take it seriously and under exam conditions.
Over-relying on Third-Party Materials: While exam prep providers can help, GARP's official materials should be your primary resource.
Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam:
Arrive early (or log in early for online proctoring)
Bring valid identification
Have a calculator ready (if allowed)
Get good sleep the night before
During the Exam:
Read questions carefully—look for keywords
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
Don't spend too long on any single question
Save the case study for when you're fresh (either tackle it first or in the middle)
Review flagged questions if time permits
What Happens After You Pass?
Once you pass the SCR exam, you'll receive:
Your official SCR Certificate
A digital badge for LinkedIn and other platforms
Access to GARP's professional network
Once you're an SCR Certificate Holder, you are strongly encouraged to participate in GARP's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program to help stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in risk management.
If You Don't Pass
Don't be discouraged if you don't pass on your first attempt. Many successful SCR holders needed multiple tries. GARP allows you to register for the next two exam cycles at a reduced rate, giving you a financial break while you improve.
Final Thoughts
Passing the GARP SCR exam requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. The October 2025 exam window offers an excellent opportunity to earn this valuable credential. By following this study guide, using official GARP materials, and maintaining a disciplined study schedule, you'll significantly increase your chances of success.
Remember: GARP advises early registration to allow for a comfortable study pace. Register now, start studying immediately, and give yourself the best chance to pass on your first attempt.
The climate risk field is growing rapidly, and the SCR certificate will position you at the forefront of this critical area. Your investment in preparation today will pay dividends throughout your career.
Good luck!
Unlock your potential with our comprehensive GARP SCR practice exams and study packages!
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