Everything You Need to Know to Pass the FTMO Challenge in 2025
If you’re looking to become a professional trader with access to large capital, passing the FTMO Challenge is your gateway. Designed to identify disciplined and skilled traders, this two-step evaluation process allows you to manage up to $200,000 in funded capital and earn up to 90% of the profits.
In this article, we break down exactly what the FTMO Challenge is, how it works, and what you must do to pass it successfully in 2025.
What Is the FTMO Challenge?
The FTMO Challenge is the first phase of a two-step evaluation process that tests a trader’s ability to manage risk and generate consistent profits under real-market conditions using a demo account.
The Two Phases:
- Challenge Phase
- Verification Phase
Each stage has its own objectives, risk rules, and minimum trading requirements. Once both are completed, you receive a fully funded FTMO Account and join a global community of elite traders.
Internal Link: Want to validate your FTMO challenge fast? Read this guide
FTMO Challenge: Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
1. Challenge Phase
This is the initial test where traders must prove they can trade profitably without breaching the rules.
Key Rules:
- Profit Target: 10% of your starting balance (e.g., $1,000 profit on a $10,000 account)
- Maximum Daily Loss: 5%
- Maximum Total Loss: 10%
- Minimum Trading Days: 4 (not required to be consecutive)
- Time Limit: No maximum time limit
Contrary to what many believe, you are not forced to complete the challenge in 30 days. FTMO allows traders to take as long as needed, as long as they follow the rules and actively manage the account.
2. Verification Phase
This is the second step that confirms your trading consistency.
Key Rules:
- Profit Target: 5% of the initial balance
- Risk Management: Same as in the Challenge Phase (5% daily, 10% total)
- Minimum Trading Days: 4
- Time Limit: None (but you must remain active)
This phase is easier in terms of profit target but equally strict with risk management.
External Link: Read FTMO’s official rules
Key FTMO Evaluation Features at a Glance
| Requirement | Challenge Phase | Verification Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 10% | 5% |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% | 5% |
| Max Overall Loss | 10% | 10% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | 4 |
| Time Limit | None | None |
| News Trading | Allowed (restrictions apply on funded accounts) |
Internal Link: Understand the psychology needed to pass funding challenges
FTMO Account Sizes and Pricing (2025)
FTMO offers a variety of account sizes under Normal and Aggressive risk models. All fees are refundable once you pass both phases and receive your first profit payout.
| Account Size | Normal Risk Fee | Aggressive Risk Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | €155 (~$170) | €250 (~$270) |
| $25,000 | €250 (~$270) | €345 (~$370) |
| $50,000 | €345 (~$370) | €540 (~$580) |
| $100,000 | €540 (~$580) | €750 (~$800) |
| $200,000 | €1,080 (~$1,150) | Not offered |
External Link: See FTMO’s pricing and plan comparison
News Trading and FTMO Rules
You can trade during news events during the evaluation, but live funded accounts have restrictions:
- No trades should be opened or closed within 2 minutes before and after major news releases.
Use an economic calendar like Forex Factory to avoid rule violations.
External Link: Check Forex Factory’s Economic Calendar
What FTMO Looks for in a Trader
FTMO is not just looking for profitable traders — they want professionals who:
- Follow strict risk management
- Trade with discipline and consistency
- Don’t over-leverage or overtrade
- Know how to survive losing streaks
Internal Link: Read how to build a solid trading routine
Refund Policy and Payout
Once you pass both phases and become a funded FTMO trader:
- Your initial fee is refunded with your first payout.
- You begin earning up to 90% profit splits.
- You gain access to a real capital account and performance-based scaling.
Internal Link: See how FNFOREX helps you get funded faster
Final Thoughts
The FTMO Challenge is more than a test of profitability — it’s a test of maturity, patience, and discipline. With no time limits and refundable fees, it’s one of the most trader-friendly funding models in the industry.
If you’re serious about becoming a professional trader in 2025, now is the time to prepare, practice, and validate your skills.
Join FNFOREX Academy today and let us guide you through your next funding success with FTMO, FundedNext, and beyond.