What is a one-step challenge and why it's taken over the prop firm industry
One-step challenges have become the go-to evaluation model for traders seeking funded accounts. The appeal is straightforward: one phase, one target, one path to capital. No verification phase, no second round of proving yourself.
A one-step challenge (also called single-phase or 1-phase) is an evaluation process where a trader must hit a single profit target while respecting specific risk limits. Pass it, and you receive a funded account. There's no second phase, no additional confirmation period.
Compared to the traditional two-step model — where you first prove profitability and then confirm consistency in a separate evaluation — the one-step model removes that second hurdle. This makes it particularly attractive for experienced traders who don't want to spend weeks repeating what they already know how to do.
How it works, step by step
The process is fairly standardized across most prop firms, though the specific numbers vary:
1. Choose your account
Select the account size you want to trade (ranging from $5K to $400K depending on the firm) and pay the corresponding fee. The most popular sizes tend to be $25K, $50K, and $100K.
2. Trade a demo account with real rules
You receive access to a demo account that simulates real market conditions. Your goal is to reach the established profit target without violating any risk rules.
3. Hit the target
If you reach the profit target while respecting all rules, you move directly to a funded account. No phase 2, no additional verification.
4. Receive your funded account
You trade with the firm's capital and share profits according to the agreed profit split, which typically ranges from 70% to 90% in the trader's favor.
The key rules you need to understand
While every firm has its own conditions, there are four parameters you should always check before starting a one-step challenge:
Profit target
This is the percentage of profit you need to achieve to pass the evaluation. In one-step challenges, this target is usually higher than in the first phase of a two-step challenge, precisely because there's no second evaluation opportunity.
The most common values range from 8% to 12%. For example, FTMO sets a 10% profit target in their one-step challenge, while FundedElite raises it to 12%.
Maximum drawdown (total loss)
This is the maximum cumulative loss you can have from your initial balance or highest equity point. If your account falls below this limit, you fail the challenge.
The typical range is between 6% and 10%. FTMO offers one of the most generous maximum drawdowns at 10%, while most firms like FundedNext, FXify, or AquaFunded maintain a 6% limit.
Daily drawdown
This is the maximum loss allowed in a single trading day. This limit resets each day and usually sits between 3% and 4%.
This parameter is especially important for traders who operate with large positions or during high-volatility events. A single bad day can cost you the entire evaluation.
Time limit
Some firms set a maximum deadline to complete the challenge (30 days, 60 days), while others impose no time limit at all. If your trading style is more conservative or you need time to find quality setups, look for firms with no time restrictions.
Advantages of one-step challenges
Faster access to capital
Without a second phase, you could be trading a funded account within days. For a profitable trader, this can mean going from paying the fee to collecting profits in less than two weeks.
Lower emotional toll
Each additional phase is an opportunity for stress and pressure to affect your trading. With a single phase, you reduce exposure to that psychological burden. Trade, pass, done.
Simpler to plan
With one clear objective, it's easier to design a specific trading plan for the challenge. You know exactly how much you need to make and how much you can risk.
Disadvantages and pitfalls of the one-step model
Higher profit targets
To compensate for removing a phase, many firms raise the profit target. A 10-12% target in a single phase is harder than 8% + 5% spread across two phases, especially if you trade with conservative risk management.
Less room for error
In a two-step challenge, if your first phase goes well but with thin margins, you can adjust your approach for the second. In a one-step challenge, everything rides on a single attempt. There's no second chance within the same try.
Price isn't always lower
While it might seem like fewer phases would mean lower cost, one-step challenge prices are comparable to two-step ones. The advantage lies in time savings, not necessarily in price.
What the top firms offer in one-step challenges
To give you a clear picture of the market, here's a summary of the most relevant options among firms offering single-phase forex challenges:
Budget options (accounts from $5K)
Blueberry Funded offers one-step accounts starting at $40 for a $5K account, with a 10% profit target and 6% max drawdown. Alpha has their "Alpha One" from $50 for $5K with similar conditions. And FundedElite stands out with their "Lite 1 Step" plan from just $24 for a $5K account, though with a higher 12% profit target.
The mid-range ($25K-$50K)
FundedNext with their "Stellar 1-Step" offers $25K accounts for $165, with a 10% profit target and 6% drawdown. Instant Funding has their "One-Phase" from $109 for $25K, with an 8% max drawdown that provides more breathing room. FundedTradingPlus offers $25K for $129 with a 10% target.
Large accounts ($100K-$400K)
FTMO offers one-step accounts up to $200K (EUR 999), with the advantage of a 10% maximum drawdown. FXify goes further, offering accounts up to $400K in their "One Phase" program for $2,950. Blue Guardian reaches up to $200K for $997.
For futures traders
If you trade futures, the one-step model is essentially the standard. Apex, Bulenox, Earn2Trade, and TradeDay all offer single-phase evaluations with monthly subscriptions. Profit targets are measured in dollars (not percentages) and accounts range from $25K to $300K.
Strategies for passing a one-step challenge
Calculate your risk per trade
If your max drawdown is 6% and your profit target is 10%, you need a positive ratio between what you can gain and what you can lose. Risking 1% per trade gives you 6 consecutive failed trades before hitting the limit. Risking 0.5% gives you 12. Define your maximum risk per trade before you begin.
Treat the daily drawdown as sacred
The daily drawdown is the number one cause of challenge failure. Not the total drawdown — the daily one. If your limit is 3%, that means if you lose 2.5% in a day, you should stop trading even if you feel you can recover. The market will be there tomorrow.
Don't try to finish it in one day
One of the most common mistakes is attempting to complete the challenge quickly by taking excessive risks. A 10% profit target with 1% risk per trade requires capturing 10R total. That can be done comfortably in 2-4 weeks trading with discipline.
Choose an account that matches your real capital
If you pay $500 for a challenge, the pressure of losing that investment affects your trading. Choose an account size whose fee you can afford to lose without it impacting your financial stability or decision-making.
One-step vs two-step: which should you choose
The choice between one and two steps isn't objectively better or worse — it depends on your profile:
Choose one-step if:
- You're an experienced trader with proven results
- You prefer a fast, direct process
- Your strategy can generate 10% before losing 6%
- You don't want to deal with the mental fatigue of two evaluations
Choose two-step if:
- You're new to funded accounts
- You prefer lower profit targets in each phase
- Your strategy is more conservative and needs more time
- You want a slightly lower entry price in some cases
Common mistakes that ruin a one-step challenge
Overtrading after a loss. Losing one trade and opening three more to recover is the perfect recipe for violating the daily drawdown. If you lose, stop. Breathe. Come back tomorrow.
Ignoring economic news. Some firms have restrictions on trading during high-impact news events. But even if they don't, an NFP release or interest rate decision can destroy your account in minutes without a stop loss.
Not reading the full rules. Every firm has its quirks: some require a minimum number of trading days, others prohibit hedging, others don't allow weekend holding. Read the complete rules before starting. You can check all the details for each firm in our firms listing.
Switching strategies mid-challenge. If your system works, give it time. Changing your approach because you haven't won in two days only adds chaos to your trading.
The current landscape of one-step challenges
The prop firm market has evolved enormously. A few years ago, the two-step challenge was practically the only option. Today, over 20 firms offer single-phase evaluations, with prices ranging from $24 to over $2,000 depending on account size.
Competition has benefited traders: prices are dropping, conditions are improving, and options are multiplying. If you're considering taking the leap into funded trading, a one-step challenge is probably the most direct way to do it.
You can compare conditions across all prop firms using our forex firms comparator or explore futures firms if that's your market.
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