What is the difference between a one-step and a two-step challenge?
Quick answer
A one-step challenge has a single evaluation phase: hit the target once and you are funded. A two-step challenge has two phases, usually a higher target first and a lower one second. Two-step programs are slower for traders but give the firm more evidence before funding.
Detailed answer
One-step: one profit target (often around 10%), usually with tighter loss limits or a trailing drawdown. It appeals to traders who want a quick result.
Two-step: phase one has a target such as 8% to 10%, phase two a lower target such as 5%, both with the same loss limits. Each phase is a separate account.
For the firm, the choice affects price, pass rate and how much evidence you have before a trader reaches a funded account. Some firms offer both. On PropExecutor each phase is its own account type with its own rule set, so a two-step program means provisioning the phase two account once phase one passes. The platform does not chain phases automatically.
Pricing the difference
Two-step challenges often sell at a lower price for the same account size, because the second phase filters out more traders before payouts. One-step challenges usually cost more or carry stricter loss rules.
What traders prefer
Experienced traders often choose one-step for speed; newer traders sometimes prefer two-step for the lower price. Offering both lets the market tell you which your audience values.
PropExecutor team · Updated