For traders looking to expedite their journey to becoming funded, 1-phase challenges offer an ideal solution. In our comprehensive guide and review, we’ll delve into the intricacies of 1-step evaluations
challenges, explore their benefits, and provide you with actionable strategies to succeed.

Trading is increasingly favoring efficiency, and 1-phase challenges have emerged as a preferred choice among traders worldwide. These challenges are designed for those who have honed their trading strategies and are ready to prove their worth in a streamlined evaluation process.

Unlike traditional multi-phase challenges, which require traders to pass through several stages, one-phase challenges offer a direct route to a funded account. This simplicity is a significant advantage, especially for experienced traders who want to avoid the time-consuming nature of multi-phase evaluations.

A one-step challenge in prop trading is a single-stage evaluation process where traders must achieve specific profit targets while adhering to strict risk management guidelines. The objective is simple: reach the profit goal without exceeding the maximum drawdown limit within a specified timeframe. This type of challenge is favored for its clarity and focus, allowing traders to demonstrate their skills without the prolonged stress of multiple evaluation phases.

For example, a typical one-phase challenge might involve trading a demo account with a balance of $50,000. The trader might be required to generate a 10% profit within 30 days while maintaining a drawdown of less than 5%. Success in this challenge results in immediate access to a funded account, often with a profit split that heavily favors the trader, sometimes as high as 90%.

The concept of 1-phase evaluations is relatively new in the prop trading industry. Historically, proprietary trading firms relied heavily on multi-phase evaluations to thoroughly assess a trader’s abilities over time. However, as the industry evolved and the demand for quicker access to funding grew, prop firms began introducing 1-phase challenges as an alternative.

The introduction of 1-phase challenges marked a significant shift in the industry. Initially, these challenges were met with skepticism, as they seemed too lenient compared to the rigorous multi-phase evaluations. However, as technology advanced and trading strategies became more sophisticated, it became clear that skilled traders could effectively demonstrate their abilities in a single phase. Today, 1-strep challenges are widely accepted and offered by many leading prop firms, making them a cornerstone of modern prop trading.

The choice of a prop firm for a 1-phase challenge can significantly impact your trading career. Below is a detailed list of the top prop firms offering 1-phase challenges:

Prop Firm	Price	Account Size	Profit Split	Profit Target	Max. Daily Loss	Max. Total Drawdown	Challenge Duration	Trading Period
Axe Trader	$99	$10,000	80%	8%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
FundedNext	$129	$10,000	90%	12%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
Funding Pips	$59	$5,000	90%	12%	4%	6%	30 days	Unlimited
FXIFY	$99	$5,000	90%	8%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
The5ers	$95	$6,000	80%	6%	4%	6%	30 days	Unlimited
Funded Trader	$139	$10,000	90%	10%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
Funded Trading Plus	$149	$10,000	85%	8%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
E8 Markets	$228	$25,000	80%	8%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
FunderPro	$99	$10,000	85%	10%	5%	8%	30 days	Unlimited
FTMO	€155	€10,000	80%	10%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
My Funded FX	$129	$10,000	85%	10%	5%	8%	30 days	Unlimited
FTUK	$149	$10,000	85%	10%	5%	8%	30 days	Unlimited
Crypto Fund Trader	$109	$10,000	85%	10%	5%	8%	30 days	Unlimited
FXCI	$99	$10,000	80%	10%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
Nova Funding	$89	$10,000	80%	8%	5%	10%	30 days	Unlimited
Next Step Funded	$99	$10,000	85%	10%	5%	8%	30 days	Unlimited
KortanaFX	$99	$10,000	85%	10%	5%	8%	30 days	Unlimited

Each of these firms offers unique features tailored to different trading styles. When choosing a firm, consider factors such as the challenge’s difficulty, the assets available for trading, and the firm’s overall reputation in the industry.

Selecting the right prop firm for your one-phase challenge is crucial to your success. Here are the key factors you should consider:

• Firm Reputation: Research the firm’s track record, including user reviews, payout histories, and transparency. A reputable firm is more likely to offer fair challenges and honor successful traders’ earnings.
• Challenge Structure: Review the challenge’s profit targets, drawdown limits, and time constraints. Ensure that these align with your trading style and experience level.
• Support Systems: Look for firms that offer robust support, including educational resources, mentorship programs, and responsive customer service. These resources can be invaluable, especially if you encounter challenges during the evaluation.
• Cost and Fees: Evaluate the entry fees and any associated costs. Some firms offer refundable fees upon successful completion of the challenge, which can be a significant financial advantage.

One-step evaluations offer several compelling advantages that make them the preferred choice for many traders:

• Speed and Efficiency: The primary advantage of a 1-step challenge is the speed with which traders can secure funding. By eliminating multiple evaluation stages, traders can focus on meeting the profit targets without unnecessary delays, allowing for faster access to trading capital.
• Focused Skill Assessment: One-step challenges concentrate on assessing core trading skills. Traders are evaluated on their ability to generate consistent profits while managing risk, without the distraction of prolonged evaluation periods.
• Simplicity: The straightforward nature of a 1-step challenge reduces complexity, making it easier for traders to stay focused on their strategy and goals. This simplicity is particularly beneficial for experienced traders who are confident in their abilities and prefer not to engage in lengthy evaluations.

1-step evaluations offer numerous benefits that appeal to traders seeking a direct path to funding:

• Streamlined Process: With only one phase to complete, traders can focus on meeting profit targets and adhering to risk management rules without the distractions of additional evaluation stages.
• Clear Performance Goals: The criteria for success are clearly defined from the outset, allowing traders to set and achieve performance goals with greater precision.
• Accelerated Career Progression: By passing a 1-step challenge, traders can quickly access funded accounts, enabling them to advance their trading careers without unnecessary delays.

Purchasing a 1-phase challenge is a straightforward process, but it’s important to approach it with careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Select a Prop Firm: Begin by researching and selecting a prop firm that offers a 1-phase challenge that aligns with your trading style and goals.
2. Review Challenge Requirements: Carefully read the challenge’s rules, including profit targets, drawdown limits, and timeframes. Understanding these requirements is crucial to your success.
3. Register and Pay the Fee: Once you’ve chosen a challenge, register on the firm’s website and pay the entry fee. Be sure to check if the firm offers a fee refund upon successful completion of the challenge.
4. Start Trading: After registration, you’ll gain access to a demo trading account. Begin trading according to the challenge’s guidelines, aiming to meet the profit targets while adhering to risk management rules.

Successfully completing a 1-step challenge requires a combination of skill, discipline, and strategy. Here are some expert tips to help you succeed:

• Stick to Your Trading Plan: Develop a detailed trading plan before starting the challenge and adhere to it rigorously. Consistency in your approach is key to meeting profit targets.
• Risk Management: Always prioritize risk management. Use stop-loss orders, position sizing, and leverage wisely to protect your capital and avoid exceeding drawdown limits.
• Maintain Emotional Discipline: Trading can be stressful, especially during a challenge. Keep your emotions in check and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
• Leverage Technology: Utilize trading tools and platforms that offer real-time market analysis, automated trading systems, and performance tracking. These tools can provide valuable insights and enhance your decision-making process.
• Focus on High-Probability Trades: Concentrate on setups that have a high likelihood of success. Avoid overtrading or chasing the market, as this can lead to unnecessary losses.
• Understand the Challenge Rules: Thoroughly understand the specific rules of the 1-phase challenge, including profit targets, maximum drawdown, and trading restrictions. Knowing these details will help you navigate the challenge more effectively.
• Keep a Trading Journal: Document your trades, including your reasoning, outcomes, and emotions. Reviewing your journal can help you identify patterns and areas for improvement.
• Adapt to Market Conditions: Be flexible in your trading strategy. Markets can change quickly, and being able to adapt your approach to different conditions is essential for long-term success.
• Limit Trading Frequency: Avoid overtrading by focusing on quality over quantity. Taking fewer trades but with higher conviction can reduce the risk of mistakes and emotional trading.
• Practice Patience: Don’t rush to hit the profit target. Patience and discipline in waiting for the right trades can be the difference between passing and failing the challenge.

1-Step Evaluations Model Account Rules

Understanding and adhering to the specific rules of a 1-step challenge account is essential for success. Common rules include:

• Profit Targets: Traders must achieve a predetermined profit target within a specified timeframe. This target is typically set as a percentage of the starting account balance.
• Drawdown Limits: Traders must manage their accounts to stay within defined drawdown limits. Exceeding these limits often results in disqualification from the challenge.
• Trading Restrictions: Some firms may impose restrictions on trading certain assets, trading during specific market conditions, or using particular strategies. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid penalties.

Comparison of 1 Phase vs. Multi-Phase Challenges

When deciding between a 1-phase and a multi-phase challenge, it’s essential to understand the key differences in their structures, difficulty levels, and potential benefits. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the right type of challenge based on your trading style and objectives:

Evaluation Difficulty:
• 1-Phase Challenge: This type of challenge typically focuses on a single, straightforward evaluation where traders must meet specific profit targets while adhering to drawdown limits. The simplicity of the process allows traders to concentrate fully on their trading strategies without the complexity of multiple evaluations. This can be ideal for traders who have a well-developed strategy and confidence in their ability to meet targets quickly.
• Multi-Phase Challenge: In contrast, multi-phase challenges are more complex, requiring traders to pass through several stages of evaluation, each with its own set of profit targets, drawdown limits, and time constraints. These challenges are designed to assess a trader’s consistency and ability to perform under varying market conditions over an extended period. The increased difficulty can help identify traders who can maintain long-term profitability.

Time Investment:

• 1-Phase Challenge: One of the most significant advantages of a 1-phase challenge is the reduced time investment. With only one stage to complete, traders can secure a funded account much faster, often within 30 to 60 days, depending on the challenge’s timeframe. This makes it an attractive option for traders who are ready to start trading with real capital as soon as possible.
• Multi-Phase Challenge: Multi-phase challenges require a longer time commitment, as traders must progress through each phase before securing a funded account. This extended timeline can be beneficial for traders who prefer a more gradual approach to evaluation, allowing them to demonstrate consistency over time.

Success Rates:

• 1-Phase Challenge: Success rates for 1-phase challenges are generally higher due to the simplified evaluation process. Traders who are well-prepared and disciplined can quickly achieve the required targets and gain access to funding. The focused nature of the challenge reduces the chances of errors that might occur in a prolonged, multi-phase evaluation.
• Multi-Phase Challenge: The success rates for multi-phase challenges tend to be lower, as the increased number of stages provides more opportunities for mistakes or inconsistencies to arise. However, traders who successfully navigate these challenges often emerge as highly skilled and reliable, which can lead to more favorable terms with the prop firm.

Stress and Pressure:

• 1-Phase Challenge: The shorter duration and singular focus of a 1-phase challenge can result in less stress and pressure compared to multi-phase challenges. Traders can direct all their energy towards meeting the immediate goals without worrying about subsequent evaluations.
• Multi-Phase Challenge: The cumulative pressure of multiple phases can be challenging for some traders, as they must maintain performance over a more extended period. This increased pressure can be both a disadvantage and an opportunity to prove resilience and adaptability.

Financial Commitment:

• 1-Phase Challenge: Generally, the entry fee for a 1-phase challenge is lower than for a multi-phase challenge. Additionally, the potential for a refund upon passing the challenge makes it a financially attractive option for traders looking to minimize upfront costs.
• Multi-Phase Challenge: Multi-phase challenges often come with higher fees, reflecting the increased complexity and longer duration. However, some firms offer staggered payment structures or discounted fees for subsequent phases, which can help offset the initial cost.

As the proprietary trading industry continues to evolve, several emerging trends are likely to shape the future of 1-step challenges:

Advanced Technology Integration

The integration of AI and machine learning into trading platforms is expected to revolutionize the way 1-phase challenges are conducted. These technologies will enable more personalized and adaptive evaluation processes, where the challenge conditions can adjust in real-time based on the trader’s performance. This will provide a more accurate assessment of a trader’s abilities and potential.

Expanded Asset Classes

As markets continue to diversify, prop firms are likely to expand the range of tradable assets available in 1-phase challenges. Beyond traditional Forex and commodities, traders may soon have access to more niche markets such as environmental credits, cryptocurrencies, and even tokenized assets. This expansion will offer traders more opportunities to leverage their expertise in specific markets.

Increased Customization

In response to the demand for more tailored trading experiences, prop firms are expected to offer greater customization in 1-phase challenges. Traders might be able to choose specific profit targets, drawdown limits, and timeframes within certain parameters, allowing for a more personalized evaluation process that aligns with their trading style.

Regulatory Changes

With the growing popularity of prop trading, regulatory bodies may introduce new guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in 1-phase challenges. These regulations could standardize the evaluation criteria across the industry, making it easier for traders to compare challenges and choose the best options.

Community and Collaboration

As prop trading becomes more mainstream, there may be a shift towards greater community involvement and collaboration among traders. Prop firms might introduce social features such as leaderboards, forums, and team-based challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared learning among participants.

Additional Resources for 1 Phase Challenge Traders:

To maximize your chances of success in a 1-phase challenge, it’s essential to take advantage of all available resources. Here are some tools and materials that can help you prepare:

Educational Webinars

• Many prop firms and trading platforms offer webinars that cover a wide range of topics, from technical analysis to advanced trading strategies. Participating in these sessions can provide valuable insights and help you refine your approach to the challenge.

Trading Tutorials

• Online tutorials, particularly those focused on technical indicators, risk management, and algorithmic trading, can enhance your understanding of market dynamics and improve your decision-making process during the challenge.

Community Forums

• Engaging with other traders in community forums can provide support, share tips, and offer a platform for discussing strategies. Learning from the experiences of others can help you avoid common pitfalls and stay motivated throughout the challenge.

Trading Journals

• Keeping a detailed trading journal allows you to track your progress, analyze your trades, and make data-driven adjustments to your strategy. A trading journal is an invaluable tool for continuous improvement and self-reflection.

By utilizing these resources, you can build the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a 1-phase challenge and move closer to achieving your trading goals.

Conclusion About 1-Phase Evaluations

Participating in a one-steps challenge is a powerful way to fast-track your trading career. With the right approach, you can quickly demonstrate your trading skills and secure access to substantial capital. As you consider your options, take advantage of the detailed reviews and resources provided on this page to make an informed decision.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the top-rated prop firms offering 1-phase challenges on our list and start your journey toward becoming a funded trader today!