From Aspiring Trader to Funded Pro: The 2-Step Evaluation Process Explained

What separates successful traders from the rest? Is it luck, strategy, or something more? The truth lies in a proven process: The two-step evaluation. In the proprietary trading world, a thorough evaluation is often the platform from which one’s success is born and tested regarding one’s skill and discipline. Evaluation of two stages has become entirely trusted in identifying leading-edge traders while providing access only to the most ablest ones towards the funded account. This path allows for wide-scale trading opportunities and financial growth.

This guide will explore the two-step evaluation process used by 12 renowned prop firms, each with its unique method of assessing traders. From Funded Trading Plus to Funded Squad, these firms offer tailored pathways to Funding, each with distinct criteria, challenges, and rewards.

Join us as we break down the evaluation phases of these 12 prop firms, providing insights into their specific requirements and opportunities. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your Trading, these firms offer exciting pathways to success in proprietary Trading.

Top 12 Forex Prop Firms

We will explore 12 esteemed prop firms, each renowned for its unique approach to evaluating and funding traders. These firms stand as beacons of opportunity, each offering a distinctive path to trading success.

1. Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus aims to support skilled traders by allowing them to trade with substantial capital. The firm focuses on fostering consistent profitability and risk management among traders.

Funded Trading Plus offers a robust evaluation process that allows traders to showcase their talents and receive Funding. Their flexible trading period and clear profit targets encourage traders to refine their strategies. With a range of account sizes and a transparent fee structure, Funded Trading Plus is committed to providing a seamless path to funded Trading.

Step 1: Evaluation Proving Your Skills

This first step requires you to demonstrate your trading abilities under real conditions. The Challenge is designed to test your strategy and risk management.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 10% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit on drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 for balanced Trading.
  • Fee: A one-time fee to begin the Challenge.

Step 2: Verification Confirming Consistency

In this phase, you need to prove that your success in Step 1 is no fluke. Consistency is key here.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited, but with a set profit target of 5%.
  • Leverage: 1:100 continues to offer muscular flexibility.
  • Fee: No additional fees after the initial challenge payment.
  • Profit Split: Enjoy a generous split after passing Verification.

2. Goat Funded Trader

Goat Funded Trader strives to provide a professional platform where traders can test their strategies and earn Funding through an evaluation process. Their mission is to nurture traders who demonstrate consistent and disciplined performance.

Goat Funded Trader offers a comprehensive evaluation system with clear goals and flexible time frames. They aim to empower traders to achieve their financial goals by focusing on risk management and consistent profitability. The platform offers excellent profit splits and multiple account sizes, giving traders the tools they need to succeed.

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Step 1: Challenge Testing Your Strategy

Take your first step with the Challenge phase, where you prove your ability to make sound trading decisions and hit profit targets.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited time to trade.
  • Profit Target: Aim for a 10% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit on drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage for your trades.
  • Fee: A one-time entry fee to start.

Step 2: Verification Prove Consistency

After successfully passing the Challenge, the Verification phase will test if you can maintain the same level of performance.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited again.
  • Profit Target: Lower target of 5%.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit on drawdown.
  • Fee: No additional fees after initial entry.
  • Profit Split: Available once you pass Verification.

3. E8 Markets

E8 Markets aims to support traders by offering a structured, transparent, and flexible evaluation process. They aim to identify top-tier talent and help them transition into funded Trading with low risk and high reward.

E8 Markets is designed for traders who want to prove their skills through a two-step evaluation process. With no time limits and clear profit targets, traders can show their potential. E8 Markets is dedicated to providing traders with competitive leverage, profit splits, and a seamless experience toward becoming funded.

Step 1: Evaluation Prove Your Trading Skills

Step 1 tests your ability to meet profit targets while maintaining risk management.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit goal.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:50 leverage for risk control.
  • Fee: Entry fee required.

Step 2: Verification Confirm Your Consistency

This phase proves your success wasn’t just a one-time achievement by meeting a smaller profit target.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit.
  • Fee: No extra cost for Verification.
  • Profit Split: Generous profit split after success.

4. Blue Guardian

Blue Guardian is committed to supporting traders with the skills to manage capital efficiently. The firm aims to identify traders with strong risk management strategies and a consistent approach to profitability.

Blue Guardian’s platform allows traders to prove themselves through an evaluation challenge that emphasizes risk management and profitability. Once traders pass their evaluation, the firm provides generous profit splits. With flexible trading conditions and an unlimited trading period, Blue Guardian aims to give traders the tools and support they need to succeed.

Step 1: Evaluation Showcase Your Skill

The evaluation phase tests your ability to meet trading goals while managing risk.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 10% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:50 leverage.
  • Fee: A one-time entry fee.

Step 2: Verification Prove Your Consistency

Once you pass Step 1, the Verification phase tests your ability to stay consistent with smaller profit goals.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target to verify your skills.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Fee: No additional fee for Verification.
  • Profit Split: Generous profit split after passing.

5. Funding Traders

Funding Traders focuses on providing a scalable path to Funding for skilled traders. The firm aims to allow traders to develop strategies in a risk-managed environment while offering consistent financial opportunities.

Funding Traders offers a straightforward evaluation process where traders can showcase their skills and earn Funding once they meet specific profit targets. With an unlimited trading period and competitive profit split structure, Funding Traders encourages traders to take their time and refine their strategies. The firm’s clear rules and support system help traders focus on long-term success.

Step 1: Evaluation Test Your Tradingl

Prove your trading expertise by reaching the profit target in the first step of the Challenge.

  • Trading Period: Flexible with no time limit.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit goal.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage.
  • Fee: Entry fee required.

Step 2: Verification Prove Stability

In Verification, you show that your trading results are repeatable and sustainable.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% profit goal.
  • Max Drawdown: A 10% drawdown limit remains.
  • Fee: No extra cost for Verification.
  • Profit Split: A competitive split is available after success.

6. FundedNext

FundedNext aims to provide traders with a clear pathway to funded Trading by emphasizing risk management and consistent profit generation.

FundedNext offers a transparent and flexible evaluation process that tests a trader’s ability to manage risk and hit consistent profit targets. Traders are given ample time to refine their strategies, with clear rules to guide their journey. Upon completing the evaluation, traders are rewarded with Funding to continue their trading endeavors.

Step 1: Evaluation Prove Your Potential

Step 1 tests your ability to meet the profit targets while managing risks effectively.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit on drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage.
  • Fee: Pay an entry fee to start.

Step 2: Verification Validate Your Performance

In this phase, confirm that your success in Step 1 can be replicated consistently.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit on drawdown.
  • Fee: No extra fee for Verification.
  • Profit Split: Available after successful Verification.

7. Alpha Capital Group

Alpha Capital Group aims to support traders by providing an opportunity to manage more considerable capital in a structured, risk-managed environment. Their goal is to help traders maximize profitability while maintaining strong discipline.

Alpha Capital Group offers a straightforward evaluation process to assess risk management and trading consistency. With various account sizes available, traders can find the right fit for their strategies. The firm focuses on a clear and practical two-phase evaluation to ensure only the most skilled traders receive Funding.

Step 1: Evaluation Test Your Strategy

In the first phase, demonstrate your trading skills and risk management by hitting profit targets within the specified limits.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage for balance.
  • Fee: One-time fee to enter the Challenge.

Step 2: Verification- Validate Your Performance

  • Verify your results from the first phase by maintaining consistency and meeting the smaller profit target.

    • Trading Period: Unlimited.
    • Profit Target: 5% target.
    • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
    • Fee: No extra fee for Verification.
    Profit Split: Generous profit split after passing Verification.

8. Funding Pips

Funding Pips aims to create a platform where traders with potential can grow their accounts and showcase their skills. Their goal is to provide consistent opportunities for traders to earn real profits while focusing on risk management.

Funding Pips offers an easy-to-understand evaluation system that assesses a trader’s consistency and ability to achieve realistic profit targets. The firm provides an unlimited trading period to encourage traders to focus on strategy refinement, ultimately leading to a funded account.

Step 1: Evaluation Show Your Skill

Step 1 tests your trading ability by setting clear profit targets and drawdown limits.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit on drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:50 leverage.
  • Fee: One-time fee to join.

Step 2: Verification Prove Consistency

In this phase, confirm that your performance in the first stage was no fluke by achieving a smaller profit target.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% drawdown.
  • Fee: No additional fee.
  • Profit Split: After successful Verification.

9. AquaFunded

AquaFunded aims to empower skilled traders by providing capital for them to trade while focusing on risk management and profitability. Their goal is to identify top-tier traders who can manage larger accounts efficiently.

AquaFunded offers a comprehensive evaluation process where traders can demonstrate their skills and ability to manage risk effectively. The firm provides flexibility in trading periods, allowing traders to quickly refine their strategies and work toward meeting their profit goals.

Step 1: Evaluation Prove Your Skills

In the Evaluation phase, you are required to hit a profit target while adhering to strict risk management principles.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 10% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage.
  • Fee: One-time fee to enter.

Step 2: Verification Prove Consistency

After passing Step 1, the Verification phase tests your ability to replicate your results consistently.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Fee: No additional fee is required for Verification.
  • Profit Split: Generous profit split after success.

10. TopTier Trader

TopTier Trader aims to provide the resources and Funding to skilled traders who can manage large accounts effectively. Their focus is on building long-term relationships with traders who display consistent profitability.

TopTier Trader offers a two-phase evaluation system with no time limits, allowing traders to prove their skills without pressure. With clear profit targets and risk management guidelines, TopTier Trader strives to help traders reach their full potential while providing a smooth path to Funding.

Step 1: Evaluation Show Your Trading Prowess

The first step of the Challenge evaluates your ability to meet profit targets and manage risk effectively.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage.
  • Fee: A one-time fee to enter.

Step 2: Verification Prove Consistency

Once you pass Step 1, Step 2 requires you to demonstrate that your success is repeatable and consistent.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Fee: No extra fee for Verification.
  • Profit Split: Available once Verification is complete.

11. Instant Funding

Instant Funding is a company whose mission is to offer traders instant access to capital, while at the same time keeping risk management on top of its list. The ultimate goal is to reward traders who can prove their ability to handle large accounts responsibly.

Instant Funding has a unique approach to funding. Here, after a simple evaluation phase, traders get funded immediately. It focuses on helping traders avoid unnecessary risks while maximizing profitability and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

Step 1: Evaluation Prove Your Potential

In the Evaluation phase, traders demonstrate their ability to meet profit goals while controlling risk.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit goal.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% limit.
  • Leverage: 1:50 leverage.
  • Fee: A one-time fee to start the process.

Step 2: Verification Show Consistency

Once you meet the profit target in the Evaluation phase, the Verification phase tests whether you can achieve similar results over time.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Fee: No additional fee after the initial Challenge.
  • Profit Split: Available after successful Verification.

12. Funded Squad

Funded Squad aims to support traders by offering capital with minimal risk. The goal is to help traders prove their skills and manage large accounts without the pressures of time limits, focusing on long-term success.

Funded Squad offers a straightforward, structured two-step evaluation process. Traders are given ample time to demonstrate their strategies and hit profit targets. The firm’s flexible approach and competitive profit splits ensure that traders are motivated and supported throughout their trading journey.

Step 1: Evaluation Test Your Skills

The first phase tests your ability to hit profit targets while managing risk effectively.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 8% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Leverage: 1:100 leverage.
  • Fee: One-time fee to enter the Challenge.

Step 2: Verification Prove Your Consistency

In the second phase, confirm that your trading success is repeatable and sustainable.

  • Trading Period: Unlimited.
  • Profit Target: 5% profit target.
  • Max Drawdown: 10% max drawdown.
  • Fee: No additional fee is required.
  • Profit Split: Available after successful Verification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 12 prop trading firms offer unique and structured pathways for traders to prove their skills, manage capital, and ultimately earn Funding. Each firm provides a distinct approach to evaluating traders, with flexible timeframes and clear profit targets designed to assess risk management and consistency. From the comprehensive evaluations at Funded Trading Plus and Goat Funded Trader to the immediate Funding offered by Instant Funding, traders are given various opportunities to demonstrate their trading prowess. Most firms emphasize risk management and consistency, encouraging traders to refine their strategies without the pressure of strict time constraints. Furthermore, with competitive profit splits, reasonable entry fees, and a focus on long-term success, these prop firms are dedicated to fostering growth and providing a rewarding platform for skilled traders. By choosing a firm that aligns with their trading style and goals, traders can take the next step toward achieving financial success.