1-Step vs 2-Step Prop Firm Evaluations — Which Should You Pick?
Both formats lead to the same funded account — but the path, cost, and rule set are very different. Here's how to pick the right one in 90 seconds.
The headline difference
| Dimension | 1-Step | 2-Step |
|---|---|---|
| Phases | 1 evaluation | Phase 1 + Verification |
| Profit target | 10% (single phase) | 8% + 5% (combined) |
| Average time to fund | 5–12 trading days | 15–30 trading days |
| Cost (typical $100K) | $799–$999 | $449–$549 |
| Daily drawdown | 4–5% | 4–5% |
| Best for | Confident scalpers, news traders | Swing traders, beginners |
Pick 1-step if…
- You have an edge that hits 10% reliably in 5–10 trading days.
- You're a scalper who can't sustain edge over 30 days.
- You want to start trading funded capital this week, not next month.
- You can afford the higher evaluation fee.
Browse 1-step prop firms.
Pick 2-step if…
- You're new to prop trading and want to learn the rule set across two phases.
- You prefer a lower up-front cost.
- You're a swing trader who works on multi-day timeframes.
- You've failed 1-step challenges before — slower pace usually = higher pass rate.
Browse 2-step prop firms.
The hidden third option: instant funding
If both formats feel slow, instant funding skips evaluation entirely. You pay 4–6× the fee but you're trading funded capital the same day. Only worth it if your edge is proven and your capital deployment timeline is tight.
What to do next
Run the math on both formats with our profit calculator: input the same account size and monthly return, then compare break-even time between a $499 (2-step) and $899 (1-step) challenge. For most traders the 2-step pays off in 1–2 months; the 1-step pays off in 2–3 weeks if your edge holds.
Still unsure? Read our 7-step playbook — the techniques apply to both formats.