Introduction
Dreaming of becoming a funded trader with firms like FTMO, Funding Pips, or FundedNext? These prop trading challenges give you access to big trading capital but only if you can prove your skills and discipline.
The problem? Most traders fail their funded account challenge because they break risk rules or trade emotionally. But with the right approach, you can pass on your first try and secure long-term funding.
Here are 10 proven tips professional traders use to pass FTMO, Funding Pips, and FundedNext challenges while avoiding the mistakes that blow most accounts.
1. Follow Risk Management Like a Rulebook
Prop firms care more about discipline than profits. FTMO, Funding Pips, and FundedNext have strict daily and overall drawdown limits (around 4–5% daily, 8–10% overall). Keep your risk per trade between 0.5–1%, so one bad trade never costs you the challenge.
2. Wait for High-Probability Setups
You don’t need to trade every day. Funded accounts usually give you 30–60 days to hit profit targets. Focus only on A+ setups that match your trading system perfectly. Patience is your edge.
3. Trade With a Written Plan
A trading plan separates gamblers from professionals. Write down entry conditions, stop loss, take profit, and risk rules before you start. Firms like FTMO, Funding Pips, and FundedNext look for consistent execution, not lucky wins.
4. Always Use Stop Loss Orders
A single uncontrolled trade can violate your drawdown limits. Whether trading EUR/USD, Gold, or NAS100, place a stop loss on every trade to protect your capital.
5. Master Your Emotions
Challenges test psychology as much as strategy. Avoid revenge trading after losses or overleveraging after wins. Treat the evaluation as if it’s already your real funded account.
6. Don’t Rush Profit Targets
FTMO requires 10% in Phase 1, Funding Pips 8%, and FundedNext has similar targets. Instead of forcing trades, aim for steady growth. Even 0.5% per day compounds to success within the time frame.
7. Focus on a Few Markets
Specialize in a handful of instruments instead of chasing everything. Stick to pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, or popular indices like NAS100 and US30. Deep knowledge of fewer markets boosts consistency.
8. Backtest Before You Start
Don’t experiment during the challenge. Backtest your system on demo or smaller accounts until you know it works. Enter the challenge only when confident in your edge.
9. Keep a Trading Journal
Document each trade: why you entered, how you managed it, and the outcome. Journaling helps you find patterns, avoid repeat mistakes, and sharpen discipline qualities prop firms value.
10. Think Beyond Just Passing
Passing is only step one. FTMO, Funding Pips, and FundedNext want traders who can grow accounts safely. Build long-term habits that help you retain funding and scale capital over time.
Final Thoughts
A funded account challenge isn’t about quick profits it’s about proving you can manage risk like a professional. By following these 10 trading tips, you’ll improve your chances of passing firms like FTMO, Funding Pips, and FundedNext while building the discipline to thrive as a funded trader.
