The world of prop trading offers traders the unique chance to manage large sums of capital without risking their own money. For years, this opportunity came with a multi-step evaluation process, sometimes stretching over months. Now, the one-step challenge format is changing that—allowing qualified traders to move directly to a funded trading account in record time.

How Prop Firms Operate

A proprietary trading firm invests its capital in traders who can prove they are profitable and disciplined. The process usually involves:

 

  • Application – Traders sign up for a challenge, paying an entry fee.

 

  • Evaluation – They trade under strict rules to hit profit targets without breaching loss limits.
  • Funding – Successful traders receive a live account funded by the firm.
  • Profit Split – Traders keep a large share of the profits, often 80–90%, while the firm retains the rest.

 

 

This system levels the playing field, letting traders compete with professional-level capital.

The One-Step Advantage

Instead of completing two or more evaluation phases, the 1 step funded challenge condenses everything into a single stage.

Benefits include:

 

  • Faster Funding – From sign-up to live account in a matter of days or weeks.

 

  • Less Stress – No need to repeat profit targets in multiple phases.
  • Clear Goals – One set of targets and rules to meet.
  • Lower Costs – Often cheaper than multi-step programs.

 

 

For confident traders with a reliable strategy, this format is a natural fit.

The Evaluation Process Explained

One-step doesn’t mean easy. Firms set strict requirements, such as:

 

  • Profit Targets – Typically 8–10% of the starting balance.

 

  • Drawdown Limits – Both daily and maximum loss caps.
  • Risk Management – Rules for lot sizes, leverage, and exposure.
  • Trading Restrictions – Limits on trading during news events or holding positions over weekends.

 

 

Passing means showing you can grow an account without exposing it to unnecessary risk.

Selecting the Best Firm

When looking for the best prop firm, keep these factors in mind:

 

  • Payout Ratio – The higher the profit split, the more you keep.

 

  • Market Access – Ensure your preferred instruments—forex, indices, commodities—are available.
  • Trading Rule Flexibility – Some firms allow news trading or holding trades overnight.
  • Scaling Options – Capital increases for consistent profitability.
  • Reputation – Proven history of transparency and prompt payouts.

 

 

Risks and Considerations

The one-step challenge format offers speed, but it also comes with its own risks:

 

  • Time Pressure – Tight evaluation windows can push traders into overleveraging.

 

  • Strict Enforcement – A single breach can void your attempt.
  • Non-Refundable Fees – Most challenges require upfront payment.
  • Market Volatility – Unexpected events can derail even well-planned trades.

 

 

A slow and steady approach often wins in this format.

Why FundedFirm Is a Top Choice

FundedFirm combines clear evaluation rules with competitive payouts and trader-friendly policies. Their one-step challenge rewards skill quickly, while their focus on forex trading challenges ensures traders have both the tools and flexibility to succeed.

Conclusion

One-step challenges have redefined how traders enter the world of prop trading. By eliminating unnecessary phases, they give skilled traders a quicker route to a funded trading account—and the chance to scale their results without risking personal capital.

For those ready to prove themselves, FundedFirm offers a transparent, efficient path to trading success.