One-Step Challenge

A single-phase evaluation with one profit target — pass once and the account is funded, with no phase 2.

Definition

A one-step challenge is an evaluation model with a single phase: hit one profit target while staying inside the drawdown rules, and the account is funded. One-step challenges typically have slightly higher profit targets (8-10%, vs. the 6-8% first-phase target of two-step models) to compensate for the lack of a confirmation phase. They are popular with traders who dislike the repeat-performance element of multi-step challenges and prefer to pass once and move on.

Example

A trader buys a $100K one-step challenge with a 10% profit target ($10,000), a 5% daily drawdown, and a 6% trailing max drawdown. They have unlimited time to hit the target. Over 14 trading days they reach $10,200, passing the challenge on a single phase. The account is converted to funded at an 80% profit split the next business day.

Why It Matters

One-step challenges are often marketed as easier, but the trade-off is real: the single higher target forces tighter risk management because there is no 'safety phase' to fall back on. A trader who would have passed a two-step 8% + 4% (total 12%) may fail a one-step 10% because the risk per trade has to be lower to avoid a single bad day breaching the drawdown. Futures-focused firms like Apex Trader Funding and Topstep are notable examples of one-step models in the futures space.

Firms Using This (3)

Apex Trader FundingTopstepMaven Trading

Related Terms

Evaluation Challenge
The paid skills test a trader must pass to earn a funded account — typically one, two, or three phases with profit targets and drawdown rules.
Two-Step Challenge
The most common evaluation model — two phases, each with its own profit target, usually 8% in phase 1 and 4-5% in phase 2.
Three-Step Challenge
An evaluation with three sequential phases, adding a verification step on top of the standard two-step model — rarer and typically cheaper.
Profit Target
The percentage gain a trader must hit to pass a challenge phase — typically 6-10% in phase 1 and 4-5% in phase 2.
Instant Funding
A funded account model with no evaluation — the trader pays a fee and begins trading under live rules immediately, skipping the challenge phases.
← All termsLast updated 2026-04-21