Prop trading has evolved significantly over the years. While traditional evaluation models often require multiple phases, many modern prop firms now offer a one-step challenge—a simpler, more trader-friendly path to funding.
Firms operating under a PAX MARKET FUNDS–style model focus on reducing unnecessary complexity while still identifying disciplined and consistent traders. The one-step challenge is designed to do exactly that.
In this guide, we explain what a one-step challenge is, how it works, why it matters, and who it’s best suited for.
1. What Is a One-Step Challenge?
A one-step challenge is a single-phase evaluation that traders must pass to receive a funded account.
Unlike multi-step challenges that require traders to pass two or more evaluation phases, a one-step challenge:
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Has only one profit target
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Applies one set of risk rules
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Requires consistent trading behavior
Once the trader meets the requirements, they move directly to a funded account.
2. Why One-Step Challenges Were Introduced
Traditional challenges can feel:
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Time-consuming
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Stressful
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Overly complex
One-step challenges were created to:
✔ Simplify the evaluation process
✔ Reduce psychological pressure
✔ Focus on trading discipline
✔ Speed up access to funding
This aligns with the PAX MARKET FUNDS philosophy of trader efficiency and clarity.
3. How a One-Step Challenge Works
While rules vary by firm, the structure is typically straightforward:
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Trader selects account size
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Trader follows defined risk rules
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Trader reaches the profit target
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Trader avoids drawdown violations
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Trader meets minimum trading days
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Trader receives a funded account
The emphasis is on consistency, not speed.
4. Key Rules in a One-Step Challenge
Most one-step challenges include:
Profit Target
A reasonable profit goal that encourages steady trading rather than aggressive risk-taking.
Daily Loss Limit
Prevents excessive losses in a single trading day.
Maximum Drawdown
Protects overall account equity.
Risk Per Trade Expectations
Encourages small, controlled risk per position.
Minimum Trading Days
Ensures traders are consistent, not lucky.
5. One-Step Challenge vs Two-Step Challenge
| Feature | One-Step Challenge | Two-Step Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation phases | 1 | 2 |
| Time to funding | Faster | Slower |
| Complexity | Low | Higher |
| Psychological pressure | Moderate | Higher |
| Best for | Disciplined traders | Experienced traders |
Both models work—but one-step challenges offer a simpler path.
6. Who Is a One-Step Challenge Best For?
One-step challenges are ideal for traders who:
✔ Prefer simplicity
✔ Have a consistent strategy
✔ Understand risk management
✔ Want faster access to funding
They are especially attractive to traders who dislike repeated evaluation phases.
7. Risk Management in One-Step Challenges
Because there is only one phase, risk management becomes even more important.
Successful traders:
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Risk 0.5%–1% per trade
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Avoid overtrading
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Stop after daily loss limits
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Trade only high-quality setups
The goal is account survival first, profit second.
8. Common Mistakes in One-Step Challenges
❌ Rushing to hit the profit target
❌ Increasing lot sizes too quickly
❌ Ignoring drawdown rules
❌ Trading emotionally after losses
One-step challenges reward patience—not speed.
9. Advantages of One-Step Challenges
✔ Faster path to funding
✔ Less evaluation fatigue
✔ Simpler ruleset
✔ Lower mental stress
✔ More trader-friendly structure
These benefits make one-step challenges popular among disciplined traders.
10. Are One-Step Challenges Easier to Pass?
They are not “easier”—they are simpler.
Passing still requires:
✔ Rule compliance
✔ Emotional control
✔ Risk discipline
✔ Consistency
One-step challenges remove extra phases, not discipline requirements.
11. How PAX MARKET FUNDS–Style Firms Use One-Step Challenges
Prop firms inspired by PAX MARKET FUNDS use one-step challenges to:
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Identify responsible traders
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Reduce unnecessary complexity
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Build long-term trader partnerships
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Encourage sustainable trading behavior
The focus remains on professional trading standards.
12. Strategy Tips for Passing a One-Step Challenge
✔ Trade small and steady
✔ Avoid high-impact news
✔ Focus on high-probability setups
✔ Track daily drawdown carefully
✔ Maintain a trading journal
Discipline is your edge.
13. Life After Passing a One-Step Challenge
Once funded, traders can:
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Earn profit splits
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Access regular payouts
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Qualify for scaling plans
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Build a long-term trading career
Passing is just the beginning.