For most traders, passing a funding challenge isn’t something that happens overnight. It often takes 12 to 24 months of focused, consistent work before someone is ready to get funded.

During that time, successful traders typically:

Rather than rushing into challenges, they build a foundation through disciplined practice and risk management.

Here’s what data from a group of funded traders revealed:

Rushing into multiple challenges without a proven edge often leads to repeated failure. But for traders who take the time to develop their approach and only go for challenges when they’re truly ready, the odds of success improve dramatically.

Technically, it is possible to pass a funding challenge as a beginner—but it’s very rare. Prop firms structure these challenges to be difficult because their business model depends on many traders failing. The profit targets and strict risk limits are intentionally challenging, and passing requires consistent skill and discipline, not luck.

If you're a beginner trader, it's best to focus on developing a solid trading strategy and plan first. Building confidence and consistency through education, practice, and backtesting will prepare you much better for future funding opportunities. Success in funding challenges comes from skill and discipline, so having a strong foundation before attempting one greatly improves your chances.

Taking time to develop your trading skills on demo accounts or with small risk is crucial before attempting a challenge. The more consistent and confident you become, the better your chances of success when you decide to go for funding.