Hi Robert,
Your individual decision will depend entirely on your circumstances and preferences. But I was in your shoes back in 2018 - on the cusp of a previous exam version change.
I elected to go ahead with the existing format since I had already put in a significant amount of work on the then-current format.

I find that having a hard deadline can be a great motivator!
It worked out for me, and I ended up managing the focussed study needed to pass before the exam pattern changed.

For you, a few considerations you may want to factor in are:
1. What are your other commitments in your present life-situation (work-life-balance/ unavoidable travel lined up / childcare that is a constant, etc.) - taking all these into consideration, do you think you could average a daily study of 30 minutes, with occasional longer bursts of time (perhaps over weekends) - to take tests? If yes, then you could consider powering through.
2. How comfortable are you with the current format and the "language" in general? If you are reasonably comfortable, then - again - consider sprinting to the finish line before the change.
3. Take a few tests to help you calibrate - if you get to the ~70% mark reasonably quickly - again - that is a sign you are probably ready to give the test relatively soon in its current format. (I would advise trying to consistently hit 80% before giving the real exam).

If however, you have certain constraints that make the above course of action risky, and you do not have much to lose by waiting, then you could take your time.
The new format may take time to get established in the sense that you may want to wait a bit to even rely on tests that incorporate the new exam.

Ultimately your call - but in your place, I might pick option #1. Best of luck either way!

Robert,

Of course, the decision is entirely up to you. However, it if were me in your shoes (i.e. 50%+ through the material), I'd press the accelerator on the process and get it done. You've identified the worst case consequences - having to retake an updated exam. This isn't a simple dice roll here; you've already put in a considerable amount of time preparing and in reality, you can prep for the exam in 2-4 months easily.

I would lean in to using the exam simulator and review the "whys" behind your incorrect answers. Recalibrate your thinking, adjust, and repeat.

My 2-cents only here. Good luck!

Trying to decide whether to stick with the current exam version or wait for the 2026 update and could use some advice.

I'm about 50% through my PMP studying. Been using PrepCast and feel okay but not great. With the exam update coming later this year, I'm trying to figure out if I should kick things into high gear and test before the change, or just accept that I'll be taking the new version and slow down a bit.

If I go hard these next few months I could probably test before the cutoff. But if I fail and need a retake, then I'm stuck learning a whole new format anyway.

For those who've been through past PMP updates: what's the smarter move here? Speed or patience?