October 2025 GARP SCR Exam: How to Prepare, Practice, and Pass
- Kateryna Myrko
- Aug 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 6
The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) certification has emerged as the gold standard for professionals seeking expertise in climate risk management. With the October 2025 exam window rapidly approaching (October 18 - November 1, 2025), thousands of candidates worldwide are preparing to demonstrate their mastery of sustainability and climate risk principles.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to achieve success in your GARP SCR journey, based on the latest 2025 data, successful candidate strategies, and expert insights.
Understanding the October 2025 SCR Exam Structure
Key Exam Details October 2025 GARP SCR Exam
Exam Format:
80 equally weighted multiple-choice questions
One comprehensive case study requiring analytical thinking and practical application
Four-hour time limit for complete examination
Computer-based testing (CBT) at Pearson VUE centers globally
New online proctoring option available starting October 2025
Pass/fail scoring system with no negative marking
Registration Information:
Standard registration deadline: September 30, 2025
Exam window: October 18 - November 1, 2025
Language: American English only
Scheduling: Appointments reserved on first-come, first-served basis
Recent Pass Rate Trends
Understanding recent performance data helps set realistic expectations:
October 2024: 66% pass rate (highest on record)
April 2024: 47% pass rate (lowest recorded)
Overall trend: Well-prepared candidates consistently achieve success
The October 2024 exam achieved a 66% pass rate, significantly higher than the April 2024 rate of 47%. This improvement suggests that candidates who dedicate adequate preparation time and utilize effective study strategies have strong success prospects.
Phase 1: Strategic Preparation Planning (Weeks 1-4)
Recommended Study Hours
GARP officially recommends 100-150 hours of preparation, though individual requirements vary based on background experience. Candidates with finance or risk management experience may succeed with 80-100 hours, while those new to climate topics should plan for the full 150 hours.
Time Allocation by Experience Level:
Experienced professionals (finance/risk background): 100-120 hours
Career changers (new to climate topics): 130-150 hours
Recent graduates (limited professional experience): 140-160 hours
2025 Curriculum Overview
The 2025 SCR curriculum covers ten comprehensive chapters, each weighted differently in the final exam: High-Priority Topics (Higher Question Allocation): Climate Risk Measurement and Management (12-15 questions) - The heaviest weighted section
High-Priority Topics (12-15 Questions Each):
Climate Risk Measurement and Management - The heaviest weighted section
Climate Scenario Analysis and Stress Testing
Transition Risk Assessment and Management
Medium-Priority Topics (8-10 Questions Each): 4. Physical Climate Risk Assessment 5. Climate-Related Financial Disclosures 6. Green Finance and Sustainable Investment
Foundation Topics (5-7 Questions Each): 7. Foundations of Climate Change 8. Climate Policy and Regulation 9. Nature Risk and Biodiversity 10. Corporate Climate Strategy and Governance
Essential Study Materials
Official GARP Resources (Included with Registration):
SCR eBook: Your primary study resource with comprehensive coverage
GARP Learning Platform: Interactive digital learning environment
Full-length Practice Exam: Official mock exam with detailed explanations
SCR Study Guide and Learning Objectives: Essential roadmap for preparation
Required Online Readings: Additional materials covering latest developments
Recommended Supplementary Resources:
Third-party question banks and practice exams
Video lectures from approved preparation providers
Industry reports from TCFD, ISSB, and major consulting firms
Current climate policy briefings and regulatory updates
Phase 2: Foundation Building (Weeks 1-4)
Week 1-2: Core Concept Mastery
Focus Areas:
Climate Science Fundamentals: Understanding greenhouse gases, climate models, and physical risks
Risk Management Basics: Traditional risk frameworks adapted for climate challenges
Financial System Integration: How climate risks affect financial institutions and markets
Study Strategy: Begin with the official GARP SCR eBook, your primary resource included with registration. Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorization, particularly in high-weight chapters like Climate Risk Measurement and Management.
Week 3-4: Regulatory Framework Deep Dive
Key Areas:
TCFD Recommendations: Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures requirements
ISSB Standards: International Sustainability Standards Board frameworks
EU Taxonomy: European classification system for sustainable activities
Central Bank Guidelines: Climate stress testing and supervisory expectations
Phase 3: Application and Practice (Weeks 5-8)
Advanced Topic Integration
Scenario Analysis Mastery:
Climate modeling techniques and assumptions
Stress testing methodologies for climate risks
Transition pathway analysis and carbon budgets
Physical risk quantification methods
Practical Application Skills:
Case study analysis techniques
Multi-stakeholder perspective evaluation
Cause-and-effect relationship mapping
Quantitative and qualitative factor integration
Practice Question Strategy
Engage with practice questions and mock exams to develop analytical thinking skills.
Effective Practice Approach:
Topic-Specific Questions: Master individual concepts before integration
Timed Practice Sessions: Build stamina and time management skills
Case Study Simulations: Practice comprehensive scenario analysis
Error Analysis: Identify patterns in incorrect answers
Phase 4: Intensive Review and Mock Testing (Weeks 9-12)
Mock Exam Strategy
Full-Length Practice Schedule:
Week 9: First complete mock exam (baseline assessment)
Week 10: Targeted review of weak areas identified
Week 11: Second complete mock exam (progress evaluation)
Week 12: Final mock exam and last-minute review
Time Management Mastery
Four-Hour Exam Approach:
First Pass (90 minutes): Answer all questions you know confidently
Second Pass (90 minutes): Work through challenging questions systematically
Case Study Focus (60 minutes): Dedicated time for comprehensive case analysis
Final Review (30 minutes): Check answers and ensure no questions are missed
Case Study Success Strategies
Analytical Framework:
Read Completely First: Review entire case before attempting questions
Identify Stakeholders: Map all parties and their interests
Apply Multiple Lenses: Consider financial, operational, and strategic perspectives
Connect to Theory: Link scenarios to curriculum concepts
Time Management: Allocate appropriate time per case study question
Practice Resources and Question Banks
Official GARP Practice Materials
Available for registered candidates only, GARP Learning is a streamlined digital learning platform that allows candidates to: Test their knowledge with practice questions (not representative of actual SCR Exam questions) that coincide with each curriculum chapter
GARP Learning Platform Features:
Chapter-specific practice questions
SCR Climate Practical Applied Learning (PAL) tool
Case-based applied learning scenarios
Performance tracking and analytics
Critical Success Factors
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
Analysis of candidate performance reveals several critical mistakes to avoid: 1. Underestimating Breadth and Depth The SCR curriculum extends far beyond basic climate concepts, incorporating complex risk modeling, scenario analysis, regulatory frameworks, and financial applications. Don't assume this is a "soft" policy exam. 2. Ignoring Learning Objectives GARP publishes detailed Learning Objectives that specify exactly what candidates must know.
Critical Errors:
Underestimating Complexity: SCR is not a "soft" policy exam - it requires deep technical understanding
Ignoring Learning Objectives: GARP's detailed objectives specify exactly what you must know
Memorization Over Understanding: Focus on conceptual mastery rather than rote learning
Insufficient Practice: Regular question practice is essential for success
Time Management Neglect: Four hours requires disciplined pacing strategies
Success-Oriented Study Habits
Daily Study Routine:
Morning Focus: Tackle complex topics when mental energy is highest
Evening Review: Reinforce daily learning through summary and reflection
Weekend Integration: Connect weekly topics through case study practice
Regular Assessment: Weekly progress checks against learning objectives
Career Impact and Beyond
Immediate Post-Certification Benefits
Professional Advantages:
Enhanced Credibility: GARP certification demonstrates serious climate risk expertise
Career Advancement: Access to specialized climate risk management roles
Salary Premium: Competitive advantage in growing green finance sector
Network Access: Connection to global community of climate risk professionals
Conclusion: Your Path to SCR Success
The October 2025 GARP SCR exam represents an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate expertise in one of the most critical and rapidly evolving areas of risk management. With standard registration open until September 30 and a 66% pass rate for well-prepared candidates, success is achievable through dedicated preparation and strategic study approaches.
Key Success Principles:
Respect the Complexity: Treat this as a rigorous technical certification
Follow the Framework: Use GARP's learning objectives as your roadmap
Practice Consistently: Regular question practice builds confidence and competence
Integrate Knowledge: Connect concepts across different curriculum areas
Manage Time Effectively: Four hours requires disciplined pacing strategies
Unlock your potential with our comprehensive GARP SCR practice exams and study packages!
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