GARP SCR Exam Dates: Your Essential Guide for 2024 and 2025

The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate, offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), is a globally recognized certification that equips risk professionals to manage and measure climate risks effectively.

With sustainability and climate change playing a pivotal role in modern finance, the SCR certification provides a competitive advantage in growing demand sectors such as sustainable finance and climate risk management.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the SCR exam, including exam dates, structure, registration details, and study tips to help you succeed.

Overview of GARP SCR Exam

First of all, the Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate is suitable for both candidates who already have knowledge in the area of climate risk and climate risk challenges and those seeking to learn the basics.

Typically, it is recommended to dedicate 100–130 hours to preparation, which, depending on your other commitments, can translate to 2–6 months of study time.

GARP offers access to their self-study materials through an online platform, including the official eBook. If you require additional resources, Exam Prep Providers (EPPs) like Brainie are available to assist.

The SCR is a fully electronic certificate that provides e-reading materials and online proctoring. GARP administers the 4-hour SCR exam as computer-based testing (CBT) at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide, ensuring accessibility for candidates in diverse locations.

Fees vary depending on whether you are already a GARP member (e.g., have completed the FRM) and whether you register during the early or regular registration period.

Important GARP SCR Exam Dates for 2025

As previously mentioned, GARP administers the exam twice a year, with candidates free to choose between the spring or autumn exam windows. Key dates to remember are as follows:

• April 2025 Exam Window: Early registration closes by the end of January 2025, while standard registration allows you to register until a few days before the exam, typically ending by the end of March. Exam appointments are available throughout April.

• October 2025 Exam Window: Early registration closes by the end of July 2025, while standard registration allows you to register until a few days before the exam, typically ending by the end of September. Exam appointments are available throughout October.

These cycles are expected to follow a similar schedule in 2026.

We always recommend that candidates register early to benefit from lower fees and increase their likelihood of passing the exam. According to our data, the average preparation time ranges from 2 to 6 months.

Steps to Book Your GARP SCR Exam

Register on the GARP website (GARP SCR Registration Website) by paying the applicable fees. Early registration offers discounts, so it’s beneficial to register as soon as possible.

Schedule your exam appointment through Pearson VUE, selecting your preferred test center, date, and time. Note that GARP allows candidates to schedule their exams up until a few weeks before the exam window opens (GARP Exam Scheduling).

• Start Your Exam Preparation
  Once you have successfully completed the checkout process, you will gain access to the GARP Learning Platform, which includes the official e-reader. If additional preparation materials are needed, Exam Prep Providers offer supplementary resources to enhance your study experience.

  What Happens if You Can’t Take Your Exam?

  Rescheduling
  We understand that unforeseen circumstances may prevent candidates from taking their exams. GARP allows candidates to reschedule, although a rescheduling fee may apply.

  Exam Retake
  If you are unable to pass the exam, you are allowed to retake it during the next exam cycle (e.g., if your first attempt was in March, you may retake the exam during the October SCR exam window).

  Pricing
  Please note that GARP offers standard registration prices and discounted fees for early registration. It is advisable to register early to take advantage of these cost savings.

Want to know if the GARP SCR is worth it? 

Where to Take the GARP SCR Exam: Locations Worldwide

Exams are held at Pearson VUE test centers in multiple countries. Candidates can check the GARP website or Pearson VUE portal for a list of available locations.

Exam Structure: What to Expect from the GARP SCR

The SCR Exam consists of:

• 90 multiple-choice questions, including two case studies.

• Topics encompassing sustainability, climate risk measurement, and management frameworks.

• A four-hour time limit to complete the test.

The exam evaluates not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical application of principles in real-world scenarios. SCR candidates are encouraged to focus on understanding how to apply key concepts rather than relying solely on rote memorization. The exam is designed to assess how well you can manage climate risks and implement sustainability practices in your current and future professional roles.

This approach ensures that candidates are equipped to address climate risk challenges effectively, using scenario analysis and management climate models to make informed decisions in their daily tasks. By mastering these applications, candidates will enhance their ability to manage climate risk and contribute to sustainable finance initiatives.

Duration of the GARP SCR Exam: Timing and Tips

As with most exams, being properly prepared for the GARP SCR Exam is essential for success.

The 4-hour duration can be challenging, so familiarizing yourself with the exam format and logistics beforehand is key to reducing stress and performing at your highest level. Knowing what to expect and preparing in advance can significantly boost your confidence and improve your pass rates.

Ensure you are fully equipped for exam logistics, including testing your infrastructure if taking the exam via online proctoring.

For example, some candidates have encountered issues with registration names not matching the name on the ID, which prevented them from accessing the exam.

Online proctoring provides flexibility, allowing candidates to schedule their desired exam start time. However, understanding and simulating a 4-hour exam in your preparation can help you manage fatigue and perform better on the actual exam day.

Training yourself to endure the lengthy testing period will ensure you can sustain focus and deliver your best results.

For those who successfully pass the exam, results will be communicated immediately, and a digital badge will be issued a few weeks later, recognizing your achievement.

Crafting Your Study Timeline for GARP SCR Success

We have written in our blog about GARP SCR study material 

SCR Exam candidates gain access to the GARP learning platform, which includes the official GARP SCR eBook as the primary study resource. Preparing effectively for the SCR Exam involves a structured approach, tailored to your preferences and learning style. Here’s a recommended strategy:

Early Preparation: Understanding the Material

• First Few Months: Dedicate this time to thoroughly learning and understanding the material. Candidates can approach this in various ways:

  • Testing Knowledge Early: Use resources like the Brainie Question Bank, which aids in memorizing key concepts and verifying comprehension of the content.

  • Summarizing: Some candidates prefer to actively process the material by writing summaries of key topics to reinforce their understanding.

  • Video Content: Others may benefit from short videos, such as Brainie’s series, which highlight the essential topics chapter by chapter.

Mid-Preparation: Closing Knowledge Gaps

• After completing the initial reading of all study materials, focus on identifying and addressing knowledge gaps.

  • Using Question Banks: Tools like question banks are particularly effective in spotting weaknesses. Review chapters where your performance is below average and focus your efforts there.

Final Preparation: Mock Exams and Exam Simulation

• Familiarizing with the Exam Window: The last phase of preparation should concentrate on getting accustomed to the 4-hour exam window. Simulating the full exam experience is crucial for managing time and endurance.

  • Leverage Mock Exams: Mock exams are invaluable for testing your readiness and ensuring familiarity with the exam's format and length.

• By this stage, you should feel confident in your knowledge and ability to tackle the exam.

Preparation Timeline

It is generally recommended to allocate 2-6 months for preparation, though candidates with prior experience or knowledge in sustainability or climate risk management may require a shorter preparation period. Tailor your plan to your schedule, ensuring ample time to cover and internalize the material.

In this blog we dive into GARP SCR Exam dates