How Many Trading Days Do You Need to Meet Prop Trading Requirements?
Thinking about jumping into the world of proprietary trading? It’s an exciting space—and a tricky one. You might wonder, “How long does it actually take to meet the trading requirements for prop trading?” The quick answer varies depending on the firm, your skills, and the markets, but diving deeper can help you decode what’s really involved. Let’s explore that and what it means for your trading journey.
The Basics of Prop Trading and Requirements
Prop trading, or proprietary trading, means trading with a firms capital rather than your own. Youre looking to prove your skill, consistency, and risk management abilities. Most prop firms set specific thresholds: a certain profit target within a set period, a maximum drawdown limit, and, crucially, a minimum number of trading days.
But how many days do you really need to hit these cutoffs? Well, it’s more than just counting days — it’s about how you approach each one.
What Do Prop Firms Usually Expect?
Many firms ask traders to demonstrate their capabilities over anywhere from 20 to 50 trading days, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Some firms place a bigger emphasis on profit consistency, others on risk discipline, meaning your gains or losses across those days matter just as much as the count.
For example, a firm like FTMO typically recommends traders to complete about 20-30 trading days during their evaluation phase. During these days, you’ll need to hit a target profit—say, 10-15% of your total profit goal—and keep your daily drawdowns within limits. Success isn’t just about good days but managing the "bad ones" well enough not to get disqualified.
The Impact of Market Conditions and Trading Style
It’s tempting to think in terms of just ticking days off the calendar, but reality checks that notion. Market volatility, asset choice, and your trading style—whether scalping, swing trading, or holding longer-term positions—shape how quickly you meet those days.
Let’s say you’re trading forex, which moves 24/5, you could accumulate required trading days faster simply because there’s more opportunity for trades. Meanwhile, someone trading options or commodities might need more days to meet volume and consistency standards, especially if they prefer fewer, larger trades.
In essence, your approach influences how many days youll need: stick to a consistent, disciplined routine, and you’ll likely meet requirements sooner, while inconsistent habits can drag things out.
Why Not Just Rush Through Days?
Heres a common mistake: trying to grind through the minimum number of days just to get approved. That’s often a trap. Quality beats quantity. Having a few solid, well-executed days proves more than a string of mediocre ones. Plus, a good track record can help you with future prop firm applications or even trading your own funds.
The real secret? Focus on building a sustainable, repeatable process. Fewer, consistent days often trump longer stretches full of risky or impulsive trades. The goal is not just to meet requirements but to develop strategies that keep you profitable and disciplined over the long haul.
The Bigger Picture: Trends in Prop Trading and Market Evolution
As the industry evolves, so do the demands. Decentralized finance (DeFi) and AI-driven strategies are shaping the future. More firms are experimenting with automated evaluation methods, including smart contracts that verify trading performance transparently—reducing biases and human errors.
Meanwhile, the increasing sophistication of AI algorithms offers opportunities for traders to refine their strategies, but it also demands more advanced skills. Some players are blending traditional trading with machine learning to optimize decision-making, potentially shortening evaluation times as algorithms can test many scenarios rapidly.
Yet there’s a challenge — metrics are shifting, and firms are becoming more cautious about risk. Regulation is tightening, and the focus on transparency is growing. To succeed, traders need to stay agile, adaptive, and continually educate themselves.
Prop Trading’s Bright Future
Targeting a career in prop trading now means embracing a landscape rich with assets: forex, stocks, crypto, indices, commodities, and options. Each has its rhythm and demands, but what unites successful traders is discipline—both in strategy and in how they meet requirements.
In this environment, the “how many days” question is less about ticking clocks and more about cultivating practices that yield consistent results. Some traders crack it within 30 days, others take longer—what counts is the ability to learn, adapt, and perform under pressure.
And with the rise of decentralized finance and AI tools, the horizons are expanding fast. Future prop traders will need a blend of traditional skill, technical savvy, and an understanding of these new dynamics.
Final Thoughts
If you’re contemplating prop trading, remember: meeting the minimum trading days is just the starting point. The real goal is to build a sustainable trading approach that stands the test of time. Whether it takes 20 or 50 days, focus on quality trades, risk control, and strategic growth.
In the rapidly evolving world of finance, your ability to adapt and learn will determine how quickly you level up. Keep your eyes on the big picture—your trading journey isn’t just about hitting targets but mastering the craft.
Trade smart, stay disciplined, and let your results do the talking. The future belongs to those who prepare today.