SCR Blog

Common Mistakes SCR Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

SCR Exam
25 Sep
The financial world is changing. With the growing urgency of climate risk and the demand for professionals with sustainability and climate risk expertise, the GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) certification has become a crucial credential. It’s a key to unlocking new roles in sustainable finance and demonstrating your commitment to a rapidly evolving field. But while the SCR exam offers incredible career value, many students struggle. The truth is, most don’t fail because the material is too hard, but because of a series of predictable and entirely avoidable mistakes.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common pitfalls of SCR exam preparation and show you how to study smarter, not just harder.

Understanding the SCR Exam Structure

First, a quick refresher. The SCR exam is a computer-based test consisting of 80 equally weighted multiple-choice questions. You have three hours to complete it, and with no negative marking, you should always attempt every question. The exam is designed to test both the breadth of your knowledge across a wide range of topics—from climate science to financial regulations—and your depth of understanding in applying frameworks and analyzing case studies.

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Common Mistakes SCR Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Underestimating the Exam’s Breadth and Depth

Mistake: Many students assume the SCR is a “lightweight” add-on. They might be strong in finance but weak in climate science, or vice-versa, and don’t dedicate enough time to the less familiar topics. This is a crucial SCR exam mistake.

Fix: Recognize that this exam requires a dual focus. You must understand both the fundamental science of climate change and the practical financial implications it creates. Don’t skip chapters on physical science or quantitative models; they are just as important as the regulatory frameworks.

2. Ignoring the Learning Objectives (LOs)

Mistake: Rote learning by reading chapters without a clear goal. The GARP curriculum is dense, and it’s easy to get lost in the details.

Fix: The official GARP Learning Objectives (LOs) are your most important study tool. Use them as a checklist. Before you start a chapter, read the LOs. When you finish, review the LOs and make sure you can confidently answer each one. If you can’t, you haven’t mastered the topic and need to go back.

3. Memorizing Instead of Understanding

Mistake: Trying to simply memorize facts, figures, and definitions without connecting them to the broader context of real-world climate risk.

Fix: The exam is not about rote recall. It’s about application. Study using case studies and real-world examples. For instance, think about how the Paris Agreement influences national policies or how the concept of stranded assets directly impacts a coal company’s valuation. This kind of application-based thinking is key to passing the SCR certification.

4. Skipping Practice Exams

Mistake: Relying solely on your notes and end-of-chapter questions. This is a common SCR exam mistake that leaves students unprepared for the pressure of a timed test.

Fix: Attempt at least 2-3 mock exams under timed conditions. This is the single best way to test your time management, identify weak areas, and build confidence. It exposes you to the types of scenario-based questions that are difficult to prepare for otherwise.

5. Neglecting Case Study Preparation

Mistake: Avoiding the more complex, scenario-based questions and focusing on simple recall questions.

Fix: Practice applying frameworks to real-life examples. Think about how a bank would use climate stress tests to assess its portfolio’s vulnerability or how an ESG failure could impact a company’s reputation and stock price. The exam will test your ability to apply concepts, not just define them.

6. Disregarding Supplementary Readings

Mistake: Believing that the core curriculum book is all you need.

Fix: The exam relies heavily on key, current frameworks. You must be familiar with the supplementary readings. Pay special attention to the recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the work of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), the EU Taxonomy, and the standards from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). These are frequently cited and form the basis of many exam questions.

Complete Guide to SCR Exam

7. Poor Time Allocation Across Chapters

Mistake: Spending too much time on easy, foundational topics and running out of time for the more technical or heavily weighted chapters.

Fix: Build your SCR exam study plan with an awareness of the curriculum’s weighting. Allocate more time to chapters on regulations, risk models, and case studies, as these typically account for a larger portion of the questions.

8. Overlooking the Practical Use of Frameworks

Mistake: Knowing acronyms like TCFD and NGFS without understanding their real-world application.

Fix: Don’t just know what the acronyms stand for; be able to explain how they are applied in risk management. For example, how does a company use the TCFD framework to report on climate-related risks and opportunities?

9. Not Scheduling Early or Missing Key Deadlines

Mistake: Procrastinating on registration, leading to fewer weeks for preparation and a higher exam fee.

Fix: Register for the exam early to lock in the lower fee and create a forced deadline. A 12-14 week study plan is an ideal timeframe for most candidates to cover all the material and practice effectively.

10. Underestimating the SCR’s Career Value

Mistake: Thinking the SCR is just another “nice-to-have” certificate.

Fix: Recognize the rapidly growing demand for these skills. Roles like ESG Analyst, Climate Risk Consultant, and various other sustainability roles are in high demand and this certification is a powerful differentiator. It’s more than a certificate; it’s a statement of your professional readiness for the future of finance.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use Active Recall: Don’t just reread your notes. Use flashcards and quizzes to actively test your memory and solidify concepts.
  • Mix Up Your Study Methods: Dedicate time each week to reading, practicing questions, and taking mock tests.
  • Join Study Forums: Engage with other candidates. Peer accountability and shared insights can be invaluable.
  • Track Your Progress: Regularly check your progress against the official LOs to ensure you’re on track and not neglecting any areas.

Career Benefits of SCR Certification

Passing the SCR certification isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about opening doors. It proves you have the skills to integrate ESG into risk management, a skill set that is now non-negotiable in many financial institutions. The job market for sustainable finance professionals is expanding globally, and the SCR exam is a key differentiator that can lead to higher salaries and more senior roles.

Conclusion

Passing the SCR exam comes down to a simple formula: avoid common pitfalls + implement a structured study plan. Don’t just study harder—study smarter. By understanding the exam structure, focusing on application over memorization, and leveraging practice tests and official learning objectives, you can put yourself on the fast track to success. If you want expert guidance on this journey, check out our SCR coaching programs at Fintelligents.
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