Is a 1-step challenge easier than a 2-step?

Not necessarily. The 1-step challenge is faster but requires a higher profit target (10% vs 8% then 5%). The trader must perform immediately with no safety net between phases. The 2-step is more progressive and allows adaptation. Pass rates are similar for both models at around 10-15%.

Which challenge model has a higher pass rate?

Pass rates are comparable between 1-step and 2-step challenges, around 10 to 15% in both cases. The 2-step loses traders between phases (some pass Phase 1 but fail Phase 2), while the 1-step eliminates more traders through a higher profit target. The only model with 100% access is Instant Funding from RaiseMyFunds.

Can you switch between challenge models?

No, you generally cannot convert a 1-step challenge to a 2-step or vice versa once started. The choice is made at registration. Some prop firms offer both options at purchase, allowing you to select based on your preference. If you fail one model, you can choose the other on your next attempt.

Is Instant Funding better than a challenge?

Instant Funding eliminates the risk of failure since there is no evaluation. The trader accesses capital immediately without any prior profit target. The profit split may be slightly lower (70-85% at RaiseMyFunds vs 80-90% at FTMO), but 100% of traders get funded compared to only 10-15% with a challenge.

1-step vs 2-step prop firm challenge: which evaluation in 2026?

By Alexandre Renaud

Updated May 26, 2026

9 min read

Quick answer

As of May 2026, the 1-step challenge is faster (single phase) but requires a higher profit target (10%). The 2-step challenge is more progressive (8% then 5%) and more common, but the process takes longer. Pass rates are similar (10-15%). The third option is Instant Funding from RaiseMyFunds: no evaluation at all, immediate capital access, FSCA regulated.

Understanding both evaluation models

When a trader wants to obtain a funded account from a prop firm, they typically must pass an evaluation called a "challenge." This evaluation exists in two formats: the 1-step challenge (single-step) and the 2-step challenge (two-step). Each format has its own logic, advantages, and drawbacks.

1-Step

Single-phase challenge

One evaluation phase to pass. Higher profit target (10%), but faster access to the funded account. More popular among experienced traders who want speed.

Typical duration: 30 to 45 days, sometimes unlimited

2-Step

Two-phase challenge

Two successive phases. Phase 1: 8% target. Phase 2: 5% target. More progressive approach, this is the classic FTMO model used by most prop firms.

Typical duration: Phase 1 in 30 days, Phase 2 in 60 days

The 1-step challenge in detail

The 1-step challenge requires the trader to reach a 10% profit target in a single phase. It is the most direct format: once the target is met (while respecting drawdown rules), the trader immediately gains access to the funded account. There is no second verification phase.

This model is valued for its speed. A skilled trader can obtain their funded account in just a few days (subject to meeting the minimum trading days requirement). However, the 10% target is more demanding than 8%, which can push some traders toward excessive risk-taking to reach the goal quickly.

The 2-step challenge in detail

The 2-step challenge divides the evaluation into two distinct phases. Phase 1 requires an 8% profit target in 30 days. If the trader succeeds, they move to Phase 2 with a reduced 5% target in 60 days. This model, popularized by FTMO, is considered more progressive and forgiving.

The main advantage is that each phase's target is more achievable individually. The trader can build momentum gradually. The downside is the total duration: expect 2 to 3 months minimum to access the funded account, compared to potentially just a few weeks with a 1-step challenge.

Detailed comparison table

Criteria	1-Step Challenge	2-Step Challenge	Instant Funding
Number of phases	1	2	0 (none)
Profit target	10%	8% + 5%	None
Daily drawdown	5%	5%	None
Maximum drawdown	8-10%	8-10%	Fixed global
Time limit	30-45 days	30 + 60 days	Unlimited
Minimum days	5-10 days	5-10 per phase	None
Pass rate	~12-15%	~10-13%	100%
Cost ($100K)	$500-$600	$500-$600	Variable
Time to access	2-4 weeks	1-3 months	Immediate
Regulation	Rarely	Rarely	FSCA ✓
Example	Various firms' OneStep	FTMO, FundedNext	RaiseMyFunds

Which model suits which trader profile?

The choice between 1-step and 2-step depends on your experience, trading style, and risk tolerance. Here are the typical profiles for each model.

Aggressive / experienced trader

1-Step challenge recommended

You have a solid track record with consistent 10%+ monthly returns. You prefer speed and have confidence in your strategy. The risk of a higher target does not bother you because you can perform under pressure.

Conservative / newer trader

2-Step challenge recommended

You prefer a progressive approach. Your strategy generates moderate but consistent returns (5-8% per month). You appreciate having more time to reach targets and the ability to adapt between phases.

The intraday scalper

Scalpers who seek small, frequent gains are often more comfortable with the 2-step model. Their strategy generates progressive returns that accumulate over days. An 8% target in 30 days is more realistic for this profile than 10% in a single phase.

The swing trader

Swing traders who hold positions for several days can benefit from the 1-step challenge. A single favorable move can generate 3-5% gains, quickly approaching the 10% target. The risk is that a losing trade can also heavily impact drawdown limits.

The trader who wants to avoid stress

For traders who want to completely eliminate evaluation stress, Instant Funding from RaiseMyFunds remains the best option. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and regulated by the FSCA (licence #50506), this prop firm offers immediate access with no prior performance requirement. No profit target, no daily drawdown, no time limit.

Pros and cons of each model

1-Step challenge

✓ Pros

Faster access to the funded account. Only one phase to pass (less chance of failing between phases). Simpler, more straightforward process. Less total time pressure since everything is decided in one go.

✗ Cons

Higher profit target (10% vs 8%). May encourage overleveraging to reach the target quickly. Less margin for error. A bad start is harder to recover from in a single phase.

2-Step challenge

✓ Pros

More achievable profit targets per phase (8% then 5%). Progressive approach that allows adaptation. More total time to succeed. Proven, well-documented format (FTMO model).

✗ Cons

Longer process (1-3 months minimum). Risk of failure at each phase. A trader can pass Phase 1 and fail Phase 2, losing all time invested. Double performance pressure across phases.

Instant Funding (RaiseMyFunds)

✓ Pros

Immediate capital access (zero wait time). No risk of failing an evaluation. No daily drawdown. FSCA regulated. Accounts up to $400,000. No prior performance pressure.

✗ Cons

Potentially lower profit split (70-85% vs 80-90% at FTMO). No fee refund since there is no evaluation to pass. Model less well-known than traditional challenges.

Frequently asked questions

Not necessarily. The 1-step is faster but demands a higher profit target (10% vs 8% in Phase 1 of the 2-step). The trader must perform immediately, with no possibility of progression between phases. The 2-step is more progressive with more achievable milestones. Pass rates are comparable for both models at around 10-15%.

Pass rates are comparable: approximately 12-15% for the 1-step and 10-13% for the 2-step. The 2-step loses traders between phases (some pass Phase 1 but fail Phase 2). The 1-step eliminates more directly through a higher target. For a 100% access rate, only Instant Funding from RaiseMyFunds guarantees funded account access.

No, as a general rule, you cannot convert an ongoing challenge from one format to another. The choice is made at registration. If you fail one model, you can choose the other on your next attempt, but this means paying registration fees again. Some firms offer both options at purchase time.

Instant Funding completely eliminates failure risk since there is no evaluation. The trader accesses RaiseMyFunds capital immediately without any prior profit target. The profit split is 70-85% (vs 80-90% at FTMO), but 100% of traders get funded compared to only 10-15% with a challenge. For traders who do not want to risk losing their fees, it is the safest solution.

Compare the best prop firms in 2026, their evaluation models, and conditions in our comprehensive ranking.

View 2026 comparison →

1-step vs 2-step prop firm challenge: which evaluation in 2026?

Understanding both evaluation models

The 1-step challenge in detail

The 2-step challenge in detail

Detailed comparison table

Which model suits which trader profile?

The intraday scalper

The swing trader

The trader who wants to avoid stress

Pros and cons of each model

1-Step challenge

2-Step challenge

Instant Funding (RaiseMyFunds)

Frequently asked questions

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