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Introduction:

FTMO has launched its first-ever 1-step evaluation account, marking a major shift from the 2-step evaluation model the firm has relied on for years.

Think of prop firm evaluations like a bridge you must cross to reach the other side of the road. Sometimes it takes a single step, sometimes two, and occasionally even more. FTMO has just adjusted this bridge—now, you can reach the funded side with just one step.

With the new FTMO 1-step evaluation, traders can become funded after successfully completing a single evaluation phase, rather than navigating two separate stages. This streamlines the funding process while maintaining FTMO’s existing risk rules, including loss limits and consistency requirements.

As more prop firms explore simplified evaluation models, FTMO’s move raises an important question: does the 1-step evaluation genuinely give traders an advantage, or is the traditional 2-step process still the safer path for most?

What You’ll Learn:

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What FTMO’s New 1-Step Evaluation Is
• FTMO 1-Step Evaluation Rules Explained
• FTMO 1-Step vs 2-Step Evaluation (Key Differences)
• Pros and Cons of FTMO’s 1-Step Challenge
• Final Verdict: Is FTMO’s 1-Step Worth It?

What FTMO’s New 1-Step Evaluation Is

What are prop firm evaluation accounts? Prop firm evaluation accounts are skill test accounts offered by proprietary trading firms (prop firms, like FTMO) to see if a trader is skilled and disciplined enough to manage the firm’s capital. Think of evaluation accounts as tryouts before getting hired, but in this case for trading.

The FTMO 1-step evaluation is a new model that lets you get funded right after passing just one phase, instead of the traditional two phases. You are required to meet a specific profit target, and follow the laid down rules in order to advance to the funded stage.

Unlike the 2-step evaluation that requires meeting a 10% target at phase one, and a 5% target at phase two before you get funded, the 1-step evaluation allows you to advance to the funded stage right after meeting a single target of 10%.

Thus, it is the simpler route to getting funded, at least in terms of objectives to be completed. The subsequent section explores the rules you should pay attention to if you want to choose this evaluation model.

FTMO 1-Step Evaluation Rules

See this section as your collect test rules. You’re required to follow certain rules during the test. Failure to comply attracts either light or heavy punishment, as the case might be.

In this section, we will walk you through the core rules you have to follow if you’re trading the FTMO 1-step evaluation account.

• Daily loss limit: 3%
• Overall loss limit: 10%
• Profit consistency rule: 50%
• Evaluation profit target: 10%
• Trading period: unlimited
• Profit split: 90%

The FTMO FAQ explains all the trading rules, allowed trading styles,

The Profit Consistency Rule Explained

What is the profit consistency rule? The profit consistency rule is a requirement in prop firm evaluations that ensures a trader is making profits in a steady and controlled way, rather than getting lucky with one or two big trades.

The 50% rule implies that your most profitable day can not account for more than 50% of your total profit target. Let’s use a $100,000 FTMO as an example:

Profit target is 10%

10/100 x $100,000 = $10,000

You’re required to make $10,000 profit in order to advance to the funded stage

50% consistency

50/100 x $10,000 = $5,000

Thus, your most profitable day must not account for more than $5,000

FTMO 1-Step vs 2-Step Evaluation Models (Key Differences)

FTMO’s traditional 2-step evaluation model has long been the industry standard for prop trading challenges. You are required to complete two sequential phases before earning funding. In contrast, the new 1-step evaluation streamlines this process by combining the entire challenge into a single stage.

Let’s have a side-by-side comparison of the key features of both evaluation models:

Evaluation Structure

• 1-Step Evaluation:
  
  Traders complete just one evaluation stage and are funded immediately after passing it.
• 2-Step Evaluation:
  
  Traders must pass two phases — typically Phase 1 and Phase 2 — before funding is awarded.

Time to Get Funded

• 1-Step: Faster overall process due to only one evaluation.
• 2-Step: Takes longer since you are required to pass two phases.

Profit Target

• 1-Step: Set at 10%.
• 2-Step: requires meeting a profit target of 10% in phase 1 and 5% in phase 2.

Loss Limits

• 1-Step:
  
  • Maximum Daily Loss: 3%
  
  • Overall loss limit: 10%
• 2-Step:
  
  • Daily loss limit: 5%

• Overall loss limit: 10%

Consistency Rule

• 1-Step: 50% consistency requirement.
• 2-Step: Consistency rule does not apply

Profit Split

• 1-Step: Starts at 90% — meaning traders keep 90% of their profits.
• 2-Step: Starts at 80%.

The table below compares FTMO 1-step evaluation to the 2-step evaluation

In our detailed guide on how to pass your FTMO evaluation account, we discussed the rules guiding FTMO evaluations and you can navigate them.

Pros and Cons of FTMO’s 1-Step Challenge

The FTMO 1-step evaluation compared to the 2-step has its advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we continue our role as the guardian showing you both the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this new evaluation model.

Pros of Trading The FTMO 1-Step Account

1. Lesser profits target: the FTMO 1-step account has a lesser profit target compared to the 2-step.
2. Higher profit split: profit split starts at 90% unlike the 2-step which starts at 80%. This means, you keep 90% of your profit.
3. Minimum trading days: a minimum trading day of five is required to get funded. This is relatively faster compared to 2-step’s minimum of five days in phase one and another five days in phase two.

Cons of Trading The FTMO 1-Step Account

1. Lesser daily drawdown: the 1-step account has a loss limit of 3%, lesser than the 2-step’s 5%. This affects how much you can risk in a single day.
2. Consistency rule: 1-step accounts’ 50% consistency rule limits how much profit you can make in a single trading day, unlike the 2-step account which does not limit you.
3. Single profit: the “just one phase to get funded” enthusiasm might lead to rush and pressure.

Final Verdict: FTMO 1-Step Evaluation Review

The FTMO 1-step evaluation account offers a faster and more streamlined alternative to the firm’s traditional 2-step challenge. By condensing the evaluation into a single phase, FTMO reduces the time to funding while maintaining strict risk management rules.

This evaluation model is best suited for experienced and disciplined traders who can meet a 10% profit target, respect the 3% daily loss limit, and maintain consistency without relying on multiple phases. The 90% profit split further adds to its appeal for traders confident in their strategy.

However, the FTMO 1-step evaluation is not necessarily easier than the 2-step model. Traders who are still developing their edge or prefer a gradual evaluation process may find the traditional 2-step challenge more suitable.

Are you considering the FTMO 1-step evaluation? Take some time to review the rules, assess your trading consistency, and choose the evaluation model that best fits your strategy and risk tolerance — using our affiliate link.