The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate

The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate, offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), is a professional certificate designed to build practical knowledge across sustainability, climate risk, nature risk, transition planning, and related areas of risk management. Developed by senior risk practitioners, climate experts, and sustainability professionals, the program helps learners understand how climate and sustainability issues affect organisations and financial decision-making. It is suitable for professionals who are new to the field as well as those looking to deepen existing expertise in climate and sustainability risk.

Core Content

The curriculum covers ten major areas: foundations of climate change, sustainability, climate change risk, sustainability and climate policy, culture and governance, green and sustainable finance, climate risk measurement and management, climate models and scenario analysis, net zero, climate and nature risk assessment, and transition planning and carbon reporting. The program also uses real-world case studies to connect these topics with practical organisational and financial risk challenges.

Key Skills

Participants will develop the ability to understand and assess sustainability and climate-related risks, interpret climate scenarios, evaluate transition and nature-related risks, and apply climate risk management approaches within an organisation. The certificate also strengthens understanding of green finance, net-zero planning, carbon reporting, and the governance and policy context surrounding sustainability. Its emphasis on analytical thinking and practical application makes it particularly relevant for professionals involved in risk, finance, strategy, and sustainability.

Target Learners

The SCR Certificate is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of sustainability and climate risk management. It is relevant for risk managers, finance professionals, sustainability practitioners, consultants, analysts, and other professionals responsible for understanding or managing climate-related risks within organisations. GARP positions the program for both learners entering the field and experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise.

Learning Format

Hosted through GARP Learning, the program is delivered in a flexible self-study format, with GARP recommending approximately 100 to 150 hours of preparation. Registration includes access to the full digital SCR curriculum, practice questions, two full-length practice exams, GARP-produced videos, personalised study planning tools, and an optional case-based Climate Practical Applied Learning tool. The certificate is earned by passing an 80-question, four-hour multiple-choice exam, including one multi-part case study, offered in April and October through Pearson VUE testing centres or online proctoring.

Additional Benefits

The certificate offers strong professional value for learners seeking recognised capability in sustainability and climate risk. GARP highlights benefits including career development, professional credibility, current knowledge of nature risk and transition planning, and exposure to real-world case studies involving organisations such as S&P Global, HSBC, BASF, AXA, L’Oréal, and others. Successful candidates receive the SCR Certificate and a digital badge, and are encouraged to continue learning through GARP’s Continuing Professional Development program.

Browse more ESG courses and certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.