1
Shortlist firms (and compare like-for-like)
Use Propify to filter firms which have the features you need
Trading rules
News/overnight/EA rules, minimum trading days, weekend holds.
Tech
Platforms (MT4/5, Trader, DX), copy trading, data quality, latency.
Then sort the firms so you can choose the right one based on:
Account sizes & fees
For example, $10k / $50k / $100k and their challenge prices.
Risk limits
Daily loss, overall drawdown (absolute or trailing), consistency rules.
Tip: Sort by fit (rules + style) before price. A cheap challenge
with rules you’ll breach is expensive.
2
Choose your plan and platform
Pick the account size
Choose a size you can trade while staying far from drawdown lines with your usual stop sizes (e.g., risk ≤0.25–0.5% per trade).
Select a platform
Choose one you already know. Switching platforms mid-evaluation is a common failure point.
Add-ons (optional)
Data packages, additional resets, or extended time if offered and truly needed.
3
Create your account & pass KYC
Most firms require basic identity checks:
Sign up
with your legal name and country of residence
Verify email/phone
Submit KYC
(ID + sometimes proof of address).
Enable 2FA
To secure your portal
Note: Some jurisdictions or age groups may be restricted–check aligibility first.
4
Safely pay the challenge fee
Use a traceable payment method (card, PayPal) where possible.
5
Receive credentials and set up your platform
You’ll get logins by email or inside your portal:
Download the platform
(MT4/5, cTrader, etc.) or log into web trader.
Enter server + account credentials
Entered exactly as provided.
Set default settings
Lot size step, one-click trading, chart templates, time zone.
Test with tiny size
Do this to confirm connection, spread, and commissions are as advertised.
Sync your journal
(Excel/Notion/Edgewonk/Trademetria) before your first trade.