Table of content
A 1-step evaluation refers to prop firms offering funded accounts after traders pass the single criteria during the evaluation period. During the challenge phase, traders are tested to prove their trading skills and abilities within predetermined performance parameters. The most common criterion for 1-step evaluation is hitting the profit target. 1-step evaluation is sometimes also called a simplified or streamlined evaluation process for prospective traders.
On our platform, we evaluate firms and define their overall score. Within these firms, many reliable ones are offering a one-step evaluation process for becoming a funded trader. We will explain what one-step evaluation is and which firms are offering the best conditions in more detail below. The safety and trustworthiness of the firms are crucial in defining which 1-step evaluation option to choose.
Understanding the One-Step Evaluation in Prop Trading
A 1-step trader evaluation is a process that allows traders to pass a challenge and start trading on the funded account by meeting a single criterion, usually a profit target. 1-step challenges typically have a starting date and can have no ending dates. After traders hit the profit target, they are given a funded account to trade for profits. This is the key difference between the 1-step evaluation and other forms, as traders are typically required to have minimum trading days and other time-related restrictions before they can get funded. Some funded accounts require additional evaluations before the trader gets funded, which may be disadvantageous for the traders.
The Importance of Simplified Evaluation Processes
Why is easier evaluation important, and who can benefit from it? 1-Step Trader Evaluation can be beneficial for both the trader and the prop firm. For traders, one-step evaluation is a way to test trading skills and start trading without additional hassle after hitting the main criteria set by the firm. For prop firms, it is the quickest way to test that traders can actually make profits and then fund them. 1-step evaluation is a better version of instant funding and lets both traders and prop firms gain additional confidence. Another advantage of one-step evaluation is that it allows traders to get funded with lower fees when compared to instant funding accounts. If we were to list the top reasons why the simplified evaluation process is important for traders, we would come up with the following list:
- Lower entry barriers – It is easier to hit just one criterion and start trading on the funded account
- Risk mitigation – Lower risks for prop firms as there is time to check trader’s performance
- Efficiency – saves time for both traders and prop firms
- Cost-Effective – one-step evaluation accounts usually have lower audition fees than instant funding accounts
- Improved Confidence – After meeting the criteria, the trader has more confidence for making profits when they become funded and firms
- Low emotional pressure – less psychological pressure when compared to more complex evaluation methods
Pros and cons of one-step evaluation
1-step evaluation can be a double-edged sword, as it can both enhance profits or lead to failing the evaluation process. Chasing the one criterion is a quick and easy way to get funded, but it has several disadvantages, including the inability to fully evaluate the trading skill set of a trader. Despite numerous disadvantages, the benefits are obvious. The process is fast, low-cost, and requires less hassle to get funded. It is a balanced middle ground between traditional evaluation methods and instant funding methods.
Pros of one-step evaluation
- Simplified process – By offering a one-step evaluation, prop firms let traders access funded traders more easily if they hit the main criteria quickly.
- Faster funding – Traders have a unique opportunity to start trading on the funded account as soon as they hit the main criteria, typically a profit target. The absence of additional delays and criteria makes it time-efficient.
- Lower audition costs – One-step evaluation usually has lower costs than instant funding accounts and lets traders quickly get funded with lower fees.
- Reduced hassle – Trailers don’t have to meet various requirements or go through multiple challenge phases to access funding. This makes the whole process simple.
- Increased confidence and motivation – By quickly verifying if a trader can make profits, both the one-step evaluation prop firm and trader, building trust.
Cons of one-step evaluation
- Higher risks – The focus on achieving the profit target can encourage traders to take higher risks, potentially leading to higher losses and hard trading rules breaches.
- Lack of comprehensive assessment – One-step evaluation may not always reflect the full trading skills and risk management of the trader, leading to losses on the funded account.
- Limited learning opportunities and potential to overlook key skills – Traders can neglect other essential trading skills except reaching the profit targets quickly. This could also lead to traders missing important trading experiences that can help them hone their skills.
- Varying criteria – different firms may have different criteria for 1-step evaluation or different profit target goals. This makes it difficult to compare firms to each other.
- Not completely suitable for beginners – getting funded faster may seem very attractive, but beginners should always take time and develop necessary risk management and trading psychology skills. Hitting profit targets by lack can mislead beginners to take larger risks and lose their funded accounts.
One-Step Evaluation vs. Traditional Methods – key differences
There are several methods for getting funded such as one-step evaluation, multiple-phased evaluation, and multiple-criterion evaluation. We will compare one-step evaluation and traditional methods below.
One-step evaluation key characteristics:
- A single criterion must be met to get funded. Usually, this is a profit target of 8-10%
- Streamlined and faster evaluation process
- Traders can start trading on the funded account right away after hitting the main criterion.
- Although simpler than traditional methods, traders are more likely to take larger risks to hit profit targets faster
- Less comprehensive assessment of a trader’s skills
Traditional methods:
- Multistep evaluation process based on various metrics such as risk management, minimum trading days, etc.
- Longer and more complex evaluation process, which is both advantageous and disadvantageous.
- Typically, requires multiple criteria from traders to give access to funded accounts
- A more comprehensive evaluation of traders’ trading skills and risk management methods
- More opportunities for learning and getting a trading experience
Best Forex Prop Trading Firms with One-Step Evaluation
| Firm | Overall Score | Min instant funding | Max instant funding | Min instant funding fee | Profit share | Daily loss limit | Max loss limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funded Trading Plus | 4.05 | 5,000 USD | 250,000 USD | 229 USD | 70-80% | 3-4% | 5-8% |
| FTMO | 4.03 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 164 USD | 90% | 5% | 10% |
| Lark Funding | 3.89 | 5,000 USD | 1,000,000 USD | 50 USD | 75-80% | 5% | 10% |
| Audacity Capital | 3.67 | 10,000 USD | 480,000 USD | 129 USD | 50-85% | 10% | 10% |
| Smart Prop Trader | 3.57 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 67 USD | 85% | 4% | 8% |
Best futures prop trading firms with 1-step evaluation
| Firm | Overall Score | Min instant funding | Max instant funding | Min instant funding fee | Profit share | Daily loss limit | Max loss limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funded Trading Plus | 4.05 | 5,000 USD | 250,000 USD | 229 USD | 70-80% | 3-4% | 5-8% |
| FTMO | 4.03 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 164 USD | 90% | 5% | 10% |
| Lark Funding | 3.89 | 5,000 USD | 1,000,000 USD | 50 USD | 75-80% | 5% | 10% |
| Audacity Capital | 3.67 | 10,000 USD | 480,000 USD | 129 USD | 50-85% | 10% | 10% |
| Smart Prop Trader | 3.57 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 67 USD | 85% | 4% | 8% |
Best crypto prop firms with one-step evaluation
| Firm | Overall Score | Min instant funding | Max instant funding | Min instant funding fee | Profit share | Daily loss limit | Max loss limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funded Trading Plus | 4.05 | 5,000 USD | 250,000 USD | 229 USD | 70-80% | 3-4% | 5-8% |
| FTMO | 4.03 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 164 USD | 90% | 5% | 10% |
| Lark Funding | 3.89 | 5,000 USD | 1,000,000 USD | 50 USD | 75-80% | 5% | 10% |
| Audacity Capital | 3.67 | 10,000 USD | 480,000 USD | 129 USD | 50-85% | 10% | 10% |
| Smart Prop Trader | 3.57 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 67 USD | 85% | 4% | 8% |
1-step evaluation in Forex prop firms
One-step evaluation in FX prop firms is similar to other trading assets except the trading costs are lower including spreads, and liquidity is higher. Distinctive factors from other prop firms like futures, equities, etc. lower volatility and seamless trading experience as the markets are active 24/5 and give traders the opportunity to hit targets more easily. When trading with futures funding accounts, traders are usually required to close all trading positions overnight, while FX prop firms typically allow trading all day. Forex trading is super popular and the majority of the prop firms are offering funded accounts for trading these instruments. Often, together with Forex pairs, there are other popular asset classes such as commodities (metals, energies) and popular indices. So, for traders who want to specialize in commodities or indices, the options are abundant.
How to select the best 1-step evaluation funding account – Top criteria
How did we select the firms for the best one-step evaluation? Best prop trading firms with one-step evaluation must be safe, have no hidden rules, and offer competitive trading and audition fees. Among the main factors are the higher risk limit rules, scaling possibility, and diverse funding options as well. However, the most important aspect is to select a prop firm with a one-step evaluation that does not have hidden rules. Hidden rules can quickly make traders fail in the evaluation, as they set various limits and additional conditions that are not immediately visible on the website. Top one-step evaluation prop firms offer competitive fees and describe all the rules clearly on their website. In our lists of top 1-step evaluation firms, the majority of firms offer few to no hidden rules and the lowest fees. After discussing the criteria, we can now define the most significant factor for selecting the best 1-step evaluation account, and it is safety. Without the firm being safe, all other conditions are of no use, as the firm will not care about traders reaching their profits. Our research team has done a tremendous job of researching and ranking all the top prop firms, and the lists above can be used to select the most reliable options.
Best prop firms with only one-step evaluation
| Firm | Overall Score | Min instant funding | Max instant funding | Min instant funding fee | Profit share | Daily loss limit | Max loss limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funded Trading Plus | 4.05 | 5,000 USD | 250,000 USD | 229 USD | 70-80% | 3-4% | 5-8% |
| FTMO | 4.03 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 164 USD | 90% | 5% | 10% |
| Lark Funding | 3.89 | 5,000 USD | 1,000,000 USD | 50 USD | 75-80% | 5% | 10% |
| Audacity Capital | 3.67 | 10,000 USD | 480,000 USD | 129 USD | 50-85% | 10% | 10% |
| Smart Prop Trader | 3.57 | 10,000 USD | 200,000 USD | 67 USD | 85% | 4% | 8% |
Comparing Top Prop Firms Offering One-Step Evaluation
What to look for when comparing firms with one-step evaluation accounts is sometimes tricky, as different firms offer different criteria and rules. The most basic way of comparing firms is to see how reliable they are by analyzing their overall score. After ensuring that each prop firm is a reliable option, the next step is to compare their fees and trading conditions. Lower fees, lower profit targets, and easy to follow risk management rules are essential factors. Comparing best prop firms and their terms is key to finding the best option, depending on the trading methods and preferable assets. Profit share policy can also be a determining factor. If the firm offers all top conditions, but profit share is below 80% it is time to reconsider your choice.
Achieving Your Trading Goals with the Best One-Step Prop Firm
What you need to know and which skills you need to have before you can successfully pass the one-step evaluation process can be a determining factor before applying for the challenge. While the top one-step evaluation prop firm will offer low fees, low spreads, and a safe trading environment, trading skills, and trading strategies are a different matter. A trader needs to develop a trading strategy, test this strategy on both historical and live data (forward testing), and then apply it to the challenge. The exact criteria for achieving success are:
- Have a well-tested and profitable trading strategy
- Strong risk management skills
- Discipline to follow rules consistently
- Mastery of the trading psychology
With these essential skills and tools at your disposal, it is a less complex task to hit the one-step evaluation criteria. As we can see, finding a reliable prop firm is the main challenge after having a profitable trading strategy.
FAQs about 1-step evaluation
How does the 1 1-step evaluation Work?
Do prop firms support 1 step evaluation?
Is it safe to use 1 step evaluation for prop trading?
What are the risks of using 1 step evaluation for prop trading?
