Hi Donald,
You really can’t go wrong here; both strategies you outlined are viable. It simply comes down to making a decision.
If you stick to your current plan—starting now (or in January), using the existing materials and sitting for the exam in April or May—you are in a fantastic position. This timeline gives you a safety net: even if you don't pass on the first attempt, you will have more than enough time for a retake before the changes apply in late July.
However, if you choose this path, I strongly recommend targeting early to mid-April for your first attempt. Exam slots tend to fill up very quickly as we get closer to the change date.
The alternative strategy would result in a significant delay. The new study materials won't be available to students until April, meaning you won't be able to take the exam until late July or August. Furthermore, many prep providers often need weeks or even months to align their products with the new content fully.
I would avoid being among the first cohort to take the new exam version.
Therefore, I recommend sticking to your current plan.
Even in the unlikely worst-case scenario where you don't pass after multiple attempts, you could take a refresher course to bridge the gap and then sit for the new exam format later.
Does that make sense to you?
Best regards,
Markus
