SCR®, RAI, and FRM® Exam Updates Beginning May 1
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Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®)

SCR FAQs

Get your answers to top questions about the SCR Program and Exam.

 

About the SCR Exam 

  • The SCR Exam is a comprehensive assessment covering fundamental guidelines, methodologies, and frameworks used in anticipating and managing climate risk. It consists of 80 equally weighted multiple-choice questions, including one case study. Candidates will be allotted a maximum of four hours to complete the Exam.

  • After earning the SCR Certificate, you can apply principles of sustainability and climate risk management in current and future roles, giving you a competitive advantage. Passing the Exam demonstrates you possess the knowledge and tools necessary to assess and manage the sustainability and climate risk challenges many industries face.

  • The Exam is not highly quantitative. It is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. A few questions may require limited multiplication and division, an understanding of ratios or knowledge of measurement units and the magnitude of metrics relevant to specific risk management topics. Some questions may present graphs or tables with quantitative information.

  • No work experience is required to sit for the Exam.

  • Currently, the SCR Exam is offered in American English only.

Fees & Logistics

  • Initial registration for the SCR Certificate program includes the full curriculum in eBook form, a full-length Practice Exam, the fee to sit for the Exam, and issuance of the certificate for successful candidates. Please refer to the fee schedule here.

  • Yes. Please fill out the Team Registration form to explore how you can elevate your organization's risk management by educating multiple employees at a time.

  • Candidates can pay for their exam registration via:

    • Credit Card: GARP accepts MasterCard, Visa, Amex, and Discover.

    • ePay: GARP accepts Alipay.

    • Wire: All wire payments will include a USD 50 processing fee added to your invoice. Please reference your GARP ID and Invoice Number when sending your payment. Full instructions can be found at the bottom of your invoice.

    • ACH: All ACH payments will include a USD 50 processing fee added to your invoice. Please reference your GARP ID and Invoice Number when sending your payment. Full instructions can be found at the bottom of your invoice.

  • Please refer to this link for a comprehensive list of Pearson VUE exam sites.

  • Candidates have the option to take their Exam remotely using Person Vue’s online proctoring system, or on-site at Pearson Vue computer-based testing (CBT) centers around the world.

  • Registration is when you sign up for an Exam by entering your account details and paying the applicable exam fees for a specific exam window. After registering, you can choose to take your Exam remotely using Pearson VUE’s online proctoring system, or on-site at a Pearson VUE computer-based testing (CBT) center. Then, select your preferred Exam date, time, and location (where applicable).

  • For complete information on exam dates, registration deadlines, scheduling, and more, please visit our Exam Logistics page.

  • GARP notifies candidates if they pass or do not pass the Exam. Candidates who don't pass their Exam, register and don't schedule their Exam, or schedule and don't take the Exam can pay a one-time retake fee of USD 350, during the next two exam cycles only. After two cycles candidates must re-register for the program and pay all applicable fees.

  • Depending on availability, both in-person CBT and online proctoring candidates may reschedule their exam date (from among the dates included in the exam window they registered for) or exam site (when applicable) until 48 hours before the start of the scheduled Exam.

  • If your Exam appointment is canceled, it is likely due to circumstances out of GARP’s control including but not limited to exam site changes, a natural disaster, an evacuation, acts of military, political or government authority, global pandemic, or "Acts of God", GARP will make every effort to notify candidates as soon as possible and GARP will help reschedule your exam appointment within the same exam administration window.

  • Once an exam window closes, GARP scores Exams in a timely fashion. Candidates are notified when their results are available in their GARP candidate portal.

  • Yes, candidates can enroll in the SCR Certificate program if they are currently registered for or plan to register for the FRM or RAI Program.

  • Running a system test is not required. However, it is highly recommended. The results will help you to determine if your system meets OnVue’s minimum technology requirements. A system check can be conducted at any time at this link.

    If you do not run a system test and are not able to successfully check-in, the session will end, and you will not qualify for a refund, credit, or free deferral. 

  • If you have a technical issue while running the system test, click the “Chat with us” icon at the bottom of the OnVUE landing page for technical support.

Study Materials

  • Preparation time varies by candidate. GARP estimates an average preparation time of 100-150 hours.

  • A full-length Practice Exam, the SCR eBook, and access to GARP Learning are included with registration. Candidates will receive an email explaining eBook access after registering. 

    SCR print books are available for purchase here for USD 300, plus shipping. GARP offers the SCR Study Guide and Learning Objectives document to assist candidates in successfully preparing for the SCR Exam. This study aid is available for free digital download on the GARP website.

  • Yes. Due to the sizable amount of material covered in the Exam, GARP suggests following a weekly study schedule. Preparing for the Exam at the last minute is strongly discouraged.

  • The SCR Exam focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to effectively respond to sustainability and climate risk challenges within an organization.

    Topics include:

    • Foundations of Climate Change: What is Climate Change?

    • Sustainability

    • Climate Change Risk

    • Sustainability and Climate Policy, Culture, and Governance

    • Green and Sustainable Finance: Markets and Instruments

    • Climate Risk Measurement and Management

    • Climate Models and Scenario Analysis

    • Net Zero

    • Climate and Nature Risk Assessment

    • Transition Planning and Carbon Reporting

  • GARP strives to maintain our program's best-in-class curriculum and associated study materials. In order to ensure relevance and accuracy, GARP reviews the curriculum every year. Revisions are made and new study materials are released December 1 for the following calendar year.

Exam Day

  • Your identification must meet ALL of the following requirements:

    • Original (not a photocopy) and valid
    • Non-expired
    • Government-issued
    • Contains your current photograph
    • Contains your signature

    Below is a list of possible acceptable forms of identification:

    • Passport
    • U.S. passport card
    • U.S. military ID
    • Government-issued driver’s license
    • U.S. Dept. of State driver’s license
    • National/state/country identification card
    • Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa)
    • Government-issued local language ID (plastic card with photo and signature)

    The name associated with the registration must exactly match the name on your identification on exam day. This includes an exact match of the first name, last name, and any middle name or initial.

    There are NO exceptions to GARP's Identification Policy. On exam day if you do not present an acceptable form of ID as listed above, you will not be allowed to sit for the Exam.

  • You must send an email to memberservices@garp.com to update your name to match your identification.

  • In-Person CBT

    • Candidates are expected to be familiar with the exam site location and arrive at least 30 minutes before the Exam is scheduled to begin.

    • Be prepared to present proper identification.

    Online Proctored Exam

    • Candidates are expected to run a system test on the Pearson VUE website before the scheduled exam day.

    • Be prepared to present proper identification and to complete a digital room-scan during check-in.

    Please confirm the name on your GARP Dashboard matches the name on the government issued ID you plan to use on exam day.

  • The below pictured digital calculator is provided for you on the screen during the Exam.

    Picture 1, Picture

  • In-Person CBT

    Candidates must leave their cellular phone outside of the exam room in the designated personal belonging area.

    Online Proctored Exam

    A cellphone is needed during the check-in process, but once check-in is complete, candidates must place their cell phone out of reach before the exam can start. If candidates are seen accessing a cell phone during any part of the exam, the exam will immediately be terminated.

  • No personal items are allowed in the exam room or environment. Candidates may not bring or wear barrettes, hair clips, headbands, or hairbands. Removable jewelry is not permitted in the exam room. Candidates may not bring any books and/or notes into the exam room for use during the exam session, unless pre-authorized by GARP in advance.

    In-Person CBT

    Candidates must store all personal items in a secure area (a locker), as indicated by the proctor, or return personal items to their vehicle. If candidates refuse to store personal items, they will not be allowed to sit for the Exam, and they will lose their registration fee. All electronic devices must be turned off before storing them in a locker.

    Online Proctored Exam

    The desk or table must be clean, and candidates are not permitted to be within arm’s reach of books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, and other writing instruments/objects. Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off. Items on the wall with writing on them, such as whiteboards, will be inspected.

    During the check-in process, candidates must take photos of the work area, which will be inspected by a proctor prior to exam launch. Testing will not begin unless the workspace passes the room scan.

  • In-Person CBT

    Candidates may not leave the exam room without proctor approval. If you need a restroom break, you must raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged by a proctor. No additional time is given if you take a break.

    Online Proctored Exam

    Breaks are not allowed during the exam session for any reason. If you leave the computer during your exam session, the proctor will terminate the exam session, and you will not be allowed to continue testing.

  • Candidates will be allotted a maximum of four hours to complete the Exam. You are not required to use the full four hours and can submit your exam upon completion.

  • If a technical issue occurs during your Exam, click the “Chat” icon and a proctor will assist you.

  • You will be required to log into your GARP account and click on “Begin Exam”. You will be redirected to the OnVue platform where you will then click “Check in”. The check-in process will be as follows:

    • Conduct equipment check of microphone, speakers, and webcam.
    • Conduct network connectivity check. 
    • Enter a mobile phone number and follow instructions on your mobile device to take photos of yourself, your photo ID, and your testing space.
    • Agree to Exam Rules.
    • Close all applications except OnVUE.
    • You will be greeted by a Proctor and begin your Exam.
  • No, candidates must use a computer that meets all the requirements specified in the Technology Policy.

    • Plug the ethernet cord directly into your computer.
    • If using Wi-Fi, it is recommended that you take the Exam in a place where the internet signal is strong and stable.
    • Limit internet bandwidth consumption during the Exam by encouraging others utilizing the same network to avoid streaming movies, gaming, and other activities that require significant bandwidth.

After the Exam

  • SCR Certificate holders can advance their climate risk education through the GARP CPD program. Certificate holders must earn 20 CPD credits per cycle to stay current. After completing 20 credits in a 2-year cycle, SCR Certificate holders may download a CPD Acknowledgement of Completion Certificate. While CPD is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged.

  • Yes, an electronic certificate of completion and a complimentary digital badge is granted to those who passed the Exam. 

Ready to become a climate risk leader?

Early registration for the October 2025 SCR Exam opens on May 1.

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