FTMO is the best-known prop firm in the market — and its challenge one of the most demanding to pass. The rules are clear and public; what varies is preparation. Here is your step-by-step professional execution plan.
Know the Rules by Heart
The classic FTMO challenge requires a 10% profit target in 30 days (Phase 1), 5% in 60 days (Phase 2), a 5% daily drawdown and a 10% total drawdown limit. The #1 trap for candidates: the daily drawdown tracks equity OR balance (whichever is worse) in real-time. A trade in floating loss can breach the account before closing. Our guide on drawdown details this mechanism.
Strategy: Consistency First
- Time is not your enemy: 10% in 30 days means 0.33% per day. Focus on 0.5-1% per trade and pass safely.
- Limit your trading sessions: London and New York overlaps, as documented in our guide prop firm forex. Avoid trading during midnight rollover spreads.
- Keep a written plan: entry, stop loss, and target established BEFORE trading — see our guide on journal de trading.
- Maintain low risk in Phase 2: keep risk per trade around 0.5-1% to ensure steady progress.
Common Mistakes That Fail Accounts
- Revenge trading: doubling size after a loss — read our article on psychologie du challenge.
- Uncontrolled news trading: widening spreads and slippage — review restrictions in news trading.
- Focusing on goals instead of process: rushing targets leads to blown accounts. Stick to your discipline.
Options to Speed Up Validation
For traders with limited time: our avis complet FTMO reviews programs, and our service de validation can handle FTMO challenge execution directly, accompanied by formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the profit target for the FTMO challenge?
The 2-step FTMO challenge requires 10% profit in Phase 1 (30 days) and 5% in Phase 2 (60 days).
What is the maximum drawdown allowed by FTMO?
Daily drawdown is capped at 5% and total drawdown at 10%, calculated in real time on balance or equity.
How long does the FTMO challenge take?
Phase 1 gives 30 days and Phase 2 gives 60 days, with no minimum trading days required.
What are the main mistakes made by traders on FTMO?
Revenge trading, uncontrolled news trading, and chasing targets instead of following trading plans.
Can someone else validate my FTMO challenge?
Yes, dedicated validation services exist to execute the challenge on your behalf with guidance.
Conclusion
Succeeding on FTMO comes down to absolute discipline: 0.5% daily target, respected stop losses, and rigorous execution.
