How to Pass FTMO Challenge: Complete Strategy Guide
Passing the FTMO challenge requires more than trading skill—it requires discipline, risk management, and patience. Here's the exact approach successful traders use.
Profit Split
80-90%
Max Funding
$400,000
Rating
4.9/5
Evaluation
2-Step
FTMO Challenge Requirements
Phase 1: Challenge
- Profit Target: 10%
- Max Daily Loss: 5%
- Max Total Loss: 10%
- Minimum Days: 4
- Time Limit: 30 days
Phase 2: Verification
- Profit Target: 5%
- Same risk rules
- Time Limit: 60 days
Key Insight
Most traders fail not because they can't hit 10%—they fail because they blow the 5% daily limit trying to rush.
The Proven Strategy
Step 1: Calculate Your Daily Target
For a $100K account with 10% profit target:
| Target | Math | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Total Goal | $100K × 10% | $10,000 |
| Per Week (4 weeks) | $10,000 ÷ 4 | $2,500/week |
| Per Day (5 days) | $2,500 ÷ 5 | $500/day |
You only need 0.5% per day to pass comfortably.
Step 2: Set Risk Rules
Golden Rule
Never risk more than 1% of your account per trade. On a $100K account, that's $1,000 max loss per position.
Recommended risk parameters:
- Risk per trade: 0.5-1%
- Max trades per day: 2-3
- Daily loss limit (self-imposed): 2%
Step 3: Stop Trading After Daily Goal
This is where most traders fail. They hit their $500 target, then keep trading and give it back.
Rule: When you hit your daily target, close the platform. Come back tomorrow.
Strategies That Work
1. Session Trading
- Focus on London (3 AM - 12 PM EST) or New York (8 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Higher volatility = cleaner moves
- Avoid Asian session unless trading JPY pairs
2. One Pair Mastery
Pick one pair and master it:
- EUR/USD - Most liquid, tight spreads
- GBP/JPY - Volatile, bigger moves
- Gold (XAU/USD) - Trending, momentum-based
3. Daily Routine
8:00 AM - Check economic calendar
8:30 AM - Mark key levels on chart
9:00 AM - Wait for setup (patience!)
10:00 AM - Execute if setup appears
12:00 PM - Review and stop if target met
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pros
- Trade small, compound gains
- Stop after hitting daily target
- Use the same strategy every day
- Journal every trade
Cons
- Revenge trading after losses
- Oversizing to 'catch up'
- Trading during news (Standard account)
- Holding positions overnight unnecessarily
FTMO-Specific Tips
1. Use the Free Trial First
FTMO offers a free trial. Use it to:
- Test your strategy on their platform
- Understand how their dashboard works
- Practice following your rules without real money
2. Avoid News (Standard Accounts)
On Standard accounts, you cannot open trades 2 minutes before/after high-impact news. Check the economic calendar daily.
3. Track Your Consistency
FTMO's dashboard shows detailed analytics. Use them to identify:
- Your best trading sessions
- Your average hold time
- Your win rate by pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Passing FTMO isn't about being a great trader—it's about being a disciplined trader. Focus on:
- Small, consistent gains (0.5% daily)
- Strict risk management (1% max per trade)
- Stopping when ahead (don't overtrade)
The traders who pass aren't the most skilled—they're the most patient.
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