Maximizing Your Success in One Step and Two Step Prop Firm Challenges
Alex Smith
Proprietary trading firms (prop firms) provide traders with the opportunity to trade using firm capital in exchange for a profit share. To access these funded accounts, traders must pass evaluation challenges. The two most common evaluation models are the One Step Challenge Prop Firm and the 2 Step Evaluation. Understanding these models and optimizing your trading strategy can significantly increase your chances of success.
Understanding Prop Firm Challenges
Prop firm challenges are designed to assess a trader’s risk management, consistency, and profitability before granting access to funded accounts. These challenges ensure that only skilled and disciplined traders receive funding.
What is a One Step Challenge Prop Firm?
A One Step Challenge Prop Firm requires traders to complete a single phase of evaluation before gaining access to a funded account. The main characteristics of this model include:
- Single Evaluation Phase – Traders only need to meet the profit target in one stage.
- Lower Time Commitment – Since there is only one step, traders can get funded faster.
- Strict Risk Management Rules – Many one-step challenges have tighter drawdown limits.
- Higher Entry Fees – Due to the faster funding process, fees might be slightly higher.
This model is ideal for experienced traders who can demonstrate profitability quickly without requiring an extended evaluation process.
What is a 2 Step Evaluation in Prop Firms?
The 2 Step Evaluation model is a more structured assessment that requires traders to pass two distinct phases before receiving funding. Key features of this model include:
- Phase One (Initial Challenge) – Traders must achieve a set profit target within a predefined timeframe.
- Phase Two (Verification) – After passing the first phase, traders must demonstrate consistency in a second round with either a lower profit target or additional trading requirements.
- More Relaxed Rules – Some firms offer slightly looser risk management conditions compared to one-step challenges.
- Lower Fees – Since it involves a longer evaluation process, fees can be more affordable.
This model is better suited for traders who prefer a more structured approach and want additional time to prove their skills.
Pros and Cons of One Step vs. Two Step Prop Firm Challenges
Advantages of the One Step Challenge Prop Firm
✅ Faster access to funded capital
✅ Less time-consuming evaluation process
✅ Ideal for confident traders with strong risk management skills
