One-step challenges: a single phase between you and funding
A one-step challenge asks you to reach one profit target, once, inside one rule set. There is no second phase to repeat the result — which is the appeal, and also where the compensating rules usually appear.
See how one provider structures this model
Phase counts and rule sets differ between firms even inside the same model. Read a current example while the explanation below is fresh.
What the single phase actually tests
Because there is only one evaluation, the model measures whether you can produce a target-sized gain in one continuous run without breaching a loss limit. It does not test repeatability. That makes it a good fit for a trader whose edge is well-established and a poor fit for one whose good months are carried by a small number of outlier trades.
Where the trade-off usually sits
Removing a phase removes one filter, so firms commonly compensate somewhere else in the rule set — most often in how loss is measured, or in the fee. Whether that is true of any specific one-step challenge is something to read on that firm's own page; the terms vary and change, so we do not restate them here.
How it changes your risk plan
With one phase there is no reset of psychological pressure between stages, and no second chance to recover a mediocre first run within the same purchase. Position sizing therefore has to be conservative from the first trade, because the entire attempt shares one drawdown allowance.
Suits you if
- • Your results are consistent enough that one run is representative
- • You want the shortest path from purchase to a funded account
- • You are comfortable with the loss limits attached to a single phase
Probably not if
- • You are still testing whether your strategy is stable
- • Your equity curve depends on a few large winners
- • You would rather prove the process twice at a gentler pace
Does this model fit how you trade?
If the list above describes you, the next step is the firm's own terms — that is where the phase structure and limits for this model are actually stated.
Before you buy any model, know the risk maths
The model determines the shape of the test. Your position sizing relative to the daily loss limit determines whether you survive it.
How to pass a challengeCheck whether this model is currently offered
Providers change which formats they sell. Confirm availability and terms on the firm's own funding options page.
Firms to check
These providers publish their current challenge formats on their own sites. Confirm whether a single-phase option is offered, and on what terms, before purchasing.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on the factors explained on each page.
FundingPips
Forex · Metals · Indices · Energies · Crypto
Evaluation-based funding across forex and CFD markets. Current phase structure, targets and drawdown terms are published on the firm's challenge page.
- Challenge fee
- Not specified
- Profit target
- Model and phase dependent — around 8%/5% on the two-step, 10% on the one-step.
- Daily loss limit
- Typically 3–5%, treated as a hard breach.
- Max loss / drawdown
- Typically 6–10%, static or trailing depending on the model.
- Minimum days
- Minimum profitable days apply on Zero.
- Other rules
- A consistency rule (biggest day around 15%) applies on some funded accounts.
Goat Funded Trader
Forex · CFDs
Offers several challenge formats. Check the checkout page for the account sizes and rule sets currently on sale.
- Challenge fee
- Not specified
- Profit target
- Varies by model; some instant products have no target or a low one.
- Daily loss limit
- Model dependent — around 3% on some entry products.
- Max loss / drawdown
- Model dependent — around 6% on some entry products.
- Minimum days
- Not specified
- Other rules
- Consistency, news, overnight and EA rules are model-specific — confirm on help.goatfundedtrader.com.
Alpha Capital
Forex · Metals · Indices · Oil
Evaluation programmes for forex and CFD traders. Rule details are listed on the firm's own signup flow.
- Challenge fee
- Not specified
- Profit target
- Roughly 6–12% depending on the plan.
- Daily loss limit
- End-of-day based, around 3–5%.
- Max loss / drawdown
- Trailing on Alpha One, static on Pro — roughly 4–10%.
- Minimum days
- 0–1 on Alpha One; 3 per phase on Pro and Three.
- Other rules
- Not specified
The5ers
Forex
Long-running forex funding provider with more than one programme type. Compare the programmes on the firm's site before choosing.
- Challenge fee
- Not specified
- Profit target
- Commonly 6–10% per phase.
- Daily loss limit
- Around 3–5% — pauses or terminates depending on the programme.
- Max loss / drawdown
- Static 6–10% on many CFD programmes; trailing on futures.
- Minimum days
- Minimum profitable days on some programmes (3 days of at least 0.5%).
- Other rules
- 30 days of inactivity closes the account.
For Traders
Forex · CFDs
Challenge selection is configured directly in the firm's new-challenge screen, where the current terms are shown.
- Challenge fee
- Not specified
- Profit target
- Low on some newer models — 2% on Pay After Pass.
- Daily loss limit
- Around 3% on the models we have seen.
- Max loss / drawdown
- Around 6%, trailing on those examples.
- Minimum days
- Not specified
- Other rules
- A 20% consistency rule applies on funded accounts in some models; inactivity rules apply.
Confirm the terms before you buy
Fee, target, drawdown model, time limits and reset terms are all published by the firm and change often. Read them at the source.
Other challenge models
Two-step challenges
The classic two-phase evaluation route.
Instant funding
No evaluation phase — funded from purchase.
Or go straight to the side-by-side comparison.
Check current rules on
FundingPips