Introduction
Passing an evaluation challenge is the first step toward becoming a funded trader. But many traders fail not because they’re bad, but because they’re not prepared. In this long guide, we break down proven strategies that top traders use to pass Phase 1 and Phase 2 with confidence.
1. Understand Every Rule Clearly
Before you place even one trade, understand:
Max daily loss
Max overall loss
Profit target
Trading windows
Restrictions (news, lot size, hedging, EAs, etc.)
Most people fail not from bad trades, but from rule violations.
2. Trade With Low Risk
Risking 0.5%–1% per trade is perfect for evaluations. High risk leads to:
Violated rules
Emotional trading
Blowouts
Slow and steady wins the challenge.
3. Use One Proven Strategy
Switching strategies daily is the fastest way to fail. Pick one setup you trust whether it’s:
Breakout
Pullback
Trend continuation
Order block
Support/resistance
Mastery beats randomness.
4. Don’t Chase the Profit Target
Let the target come to you. Traders who try to “force it” usually overtrade and lose more.
5. Avoid News Volatility
Unless your firm allows it, avoid:
NFP
CPI
FOMC
Interest rate decisions
High-impact USD/EUR news
These spikes can violate daily drawdown instantly.
6. Trade Only When the Market Is Clear
Patience is a trader’s strongest weapon. Skip low-quality setups. One good setup can make your day.
7. Use a Trading Journal
Record:
Entry
TP/SL
Outcome
Mistakes
Emotions
This builds consistency extremely fast.
8. Stop Trading After Reaching Daily Profit
If you hit your daily goal stop.
Most evaluation failures happen after a winning streak, not before.
9. Protect Capital First
Your number one job in an evaluation isn’t to make money…
It’s to not lose money.
Once you protect capital, profit comes naturally.
10. Maintain Emotional Control
Discipline beats strategy every time. Avoid:
Revenge trading
FOMO entries
Overconfidence
Trading after big wins or losses
If your mind isn’t calm don’t trade.