Hyderabad: GARP launches online proctoring for SCR, RAI programs

Hyderabad: Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) has launched remote online proctoring for its globally recognized Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) and Risk and AI (RAI) certificate programs.

This strategic move aims to remove geographical and logistical barriers, enabling professionals to take exams from their homes. The first set of remotely proctored exams is scheduled for October 2025.

The new testing system, secured through advanced proctoring technology, ensures fairness and consistency for all candidates. Indian participants will have the flexibility to schedule and complete their exams according to India Standard Time (IST), with all necessary instructions and access details shared via email ahead of the test date.

Rising Demand in India

The decision to introduce remote proctoring is driven by the growing demand for GARP’s risk education programs in India. Enrolment in the SCR program surged by 59.6% annually between 2021 and 2024, reflecting a heightened awareness of sustainability and climate-related risks. Since the launch of the RAI program in August 2024, India has become GARP’s second-largest market for candidate registrations globally.

Major metropolitan hubs such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Chennai have seen significant participation. GARP’s partnerships with educational institutions like XLRI-Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur, Christ University in Bangalore, and Xavier Institute of Management in Bhubaneswar have further driven interest.

Plans are underway to expand outreach to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Jamshedpur, Kochi, Lucknow, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Visakhapatnam, Agra, Kanpur, Mysuru, Mangalore, and Udupi.

Supporting India’s Economic Aspirations

Richard Apostolik, President and CEO of GARP, emphasized India’s importance in GARP’s global growth strategy. He highlighted how risk management expertise is crucial as India progresses toward its $5 trillion economic goal.

“India is a major global economy, and it is growing. As the nation progresses toward its $5 trillion economic goal, the capacity to manage sustainability and AI-driven risks becomes paramount,” he said.

He also noted that the introduction of remote proctoring would remove barriers for Indian professionals:

“By introducing remote proctoring, we are eliminating geographical and logistical barriers to certification, making these critical programs more accessible to professionals in India, allowing them to objectively demonstrate to their global peers that their professional knowledge is on par with anyone in the world.”

Addressing Skills Gaps in AI and Sustainability

The RAI certificate is designed to equip candidates with a comprehensive understanding of AI technologies, algorithmic risks, data governance, and model transparency. With India’s AI sector projected to generate over 2.3 million jobs by 2027, while the talent pool is estimated to reach only 1.2 million, the need for upskilling has become more urgent.

Similarly, the SCR certification focuses on climate science, sustainable finance markets, global policy frameworks, and nature risk assessment. Given that over 80% of India’s population is vulnerable to climate-induced disasters and forecasts suggest a potential 25% reduction in GDP by 2070 due to climate change, GARP’s program aims to equip professionals with the expertise to navigate these risks effectively.

Strengthening Educational Collaborations

GARP’s collaborations with Indian educational institutions allow it to share its global expertise while supporting India’s professional upskilling initiatives. The organization’s planned expansion to smaller cities is expected to enhance local access to high-quality risk education.

The introduction of remote proctoring marks a pivotal step towards democratizing access to GARP’s certifications, empowering Indian professionals to meet global standards in sustainability and AI-driven risk management.