Evaluation phase

Steps and targets

The classic format has two steps: an 8% to 10% target on the first and 4% to 5% on the second, with daily and total limits in force. One-step and instant-funding models exist, usually with a smaller target and a tighter limit. The deadline, once 30 days, is now often unlimited — but the minimum valid days remain.

Most firms refund the fee on the first payout, which changes the real cost of the challenge and deserves a place in the maths before buying a second one.

Brazilian traders call this whole route by its own words: the firm is a mesa proprietária, clearing the evaluation is passar na mesa, the process of getting capital is fundeamento and the account that comes out of it is a conta fundeada. Same mechanics described on this page, different vocabulary.

Why traders fail

Failures rarely come from lack of profit. They come from breaching the daily limit on one bad day, holding a position through forbidden news, using a strategy banned by contract — martingale, latency arbitrage, copy trading across accounts — and valid days below the minimum.

TCC keeps each firm's rules next to the account and flags amber before red, including how much target and how many days are still missing.

FAQ

What does passing a prop firm challenge mean?

It means completing the firm's evaluation — hitting the target, the minimum days and every limit without breaching a rule — and receiving the funded account.

How many steps does an evaluation have?

The classic format has two steps, with the larger target on the first. One-step and instant-funding models exist, usually with tighter limits.

Is the challenge fee refunded?

At most firms, yes: the fee comes back with the first payout. Check the contract, because there are exceptions — and firms that only refund on certain plans.