How Long It Should Take To Pass an Evaluation

A realistic timeline breakdown for futures prop firm evaluations — not the fantasy version traders imagine.

1. Most Traders Pass Too Fast and Then Blow Funding

Here’s the truth nobody likes to admit:

  • Passing too fast = usually bad discipline
  • Passing in 1–2 days = almost always luck
  • Rushing the target = increases resets

Evaluations are designed to reward consistency. Same idea behind the One-Contract Strategy.

2. Standard Profit Targets

Most common evaluation targets:

  • $3,000 profit target (for $50k accounts)
  • $2,000 profit target (for $25k accounts)
  • $6,000 profit target (for $100k accounts)

These link directly to the Prop Evaluation Game Plan.

3. Realistic Daily Goal

The correct daily goal for passing an eval is:

5–10% of the profit target

Example ($3,000 target):

  • $150/day (5%)
  • $300/day (10%)

Trying to hit $700–$1,000 days in an eval is exactly why people fail trailing drawdown (Trailing DD guide).

4. The Typical Pass Timeline

Assuming you follow the one-contract method:

  • Slow + safe: 20–30 trading days
  • Balanced: 12–18 trading days
  • Fast (but still disciplined): 7–10 trading days

5. Why Faster Isn't Better

Passing in 1–3 days almost always means you used too much size or took oversized risk. Those habits will blow your funded account immediately.

Slow passes = better funded survival. This pairs with Scaling After Funding.

6. Passing Timeline by Trader Type

Type A: Patient / disciplined

12–20 days

Type B: Impulsive / overtrades

30–50 days (with multiple resets)

Type C: News/trend specialist

8–14 days

7. Best Schedule for Passing

Combine this guide with Best Days & Times to Trade .

  • Trade Tuesday–Thursday primarily
  • Focus on the first 90 minutes of the US session
  • 1–3 trades per day max
  • Stop after your first strong win

8. Quick Timeline Calculator

Use this simple formula:

Days to pass = Profit Target ÷ (Average Daily Win)

Example:

  • Target: $3,000
  • Avg daily win: $200

Days to pass ≈ 15

Summary

  • Slow passes = high survival rate
  • Fast passes = blowups waiting to happen
  • 12–20 days is the true “sweet spot”

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