How to Get Into Prop Trading - Vetted Prop Firms

If you’re looking to trade with significant capital but don’t have the funds to do it on your own, prop trading could be the perfect solution.

But how can you get into prop trading and what does it take to succeed?

Prop trading firms allow traders to trade with company capital instead of using their own money.

In return, traders keep a percentage of their profits, making it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

However, before getting funded, traders must prove their skills through an evaluation process.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a funded trader, from learning the basics to passing a prop firm challenge.

How to Get Into Prop Trading – 5 Key Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey and become a successful prop trader.

Step 1 – Learn the Basics of Trading

Before jumping into prop trading, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals.

Even if you’re confident in your skills, structured knowledge can sharpen your edge.

Study technical and fundamental analysis – Learn how to read charts, indicators, and price action.
Master risk management – Protecting capital is as important as making profits.
Understand trading psychology – Emotions drive markets, and controlling yours is key to success.
Practice with a demo account – Simulated trading helps refine skills before risking real capital.
Use online resources – Books, courses, and mentorship programs can speed up your learning.

Step 2 – Develop a Profitable Strategy

A strong trading strategy is crucial for passing a prop firm challenge. Simply gambling on price movements won’t cut it – firms look for traders with consistent, well-planned approaches.

Define your trading style – Are you a day trader, swing trader, or scalper? Choose a strategy that fits your strengths.
Set clear entry and exit rules – Have a defined plan for when to enter and exit trades.
Backtest your strategy – Run historical tests to see how your system performs over time.
Forward test in real conditions – Trade a small live account or a demo account before taking on a prop firm challenge.

Step 3 – Choose a Prop Firm That Fits Your Style

Not all prop trading firms are equal. Some have better conditions, lower fees, and more realistic challenges than others.

When selecting a firm, consider the following:

Profit splits – How much of your profits do you keep?
Trading restrictions – Are there limits on scalping, holding trades overnight, or news trading?
Fees and refund policies – Some firms offer refundable challenge fees upon passing.
Evaluation difficulty – Look for challenges with reasonable profit targets and risk rules.

Step 4 – Pass a Prop Trading Challenge

Most prop firms require traders to prove their skills before granting access to a funded account.

Meet profit targets – Challenges usually require 5% to 10% profit within a certain timeframe.
Follow risk rules – Stay within daily loss limits and maximum drawdowns.
Be consistent – Many firms require traders to trade for a set number of days before passing.
Use a disciplined approach – Avoid overtrading or rushing to meet targets.

Step 5 – Get Funded and Start Trading

Once you pass the challenge, you’ll receive a funded account and start trading with real capital. At this stage:

The firm takes a percentage of your profits, usually between 10% and 30%.
You keep the majority of your earnings, often up to 90% with the best firms.
You must follow trading rules to remain funded and scale up your account over time.

Skills Needed for Prop Trading Success

Becoming a successful prop trader isn’t just about making profitable trades – it’s about developing the right mindset, risk management skills, and trading discipline.

Prop firms look for traders who can trade consistently over time while following strict risk guidelines.

Here are the key skills every prop trader needs to succeed:

Risk Management & Discipline

Risk management is the foundation of long-term trading success. Without it, even the best trading strategies can fail. Prop firms have strict risk rules, and breaking them can lead to account termination.

Stick to stop losses and maximum drawdowns – Always define your risk before entering a trade.
Avoid overtrading – More trades don’t always mean more profits. Quality setups matter more than quantity.
Follow prop firm rules – Respecting risk limits keeps you funded and eligible for scaling opportunities.

Emotional Control & Patience

The financial markets can be volatile and unpredictable, which is why emotional control is critical for success.

Many traders fail not because of poor strategy but because they let fear and greed dictate their decisions.

Staying calm under pressure is essential.

Panic-selling or rushing into trades due to sudden market swings often leads to costly mistakes.

One of the biggest pitfalls is revenge trading, where traders try to recover losses by taking reckless trades, usually resulting in even more losses.

Accepting small, controlled losses is part of the process. Instead of taking big risks to recover, successful traders focus on keeping losses manageable and sticking to a disciplined approach.

Consistency Over Quick Wins

Prop firms don’t just look for high-profit trades – they value traders who can generate steady, sustainable returns.

A single big win isn’t enough; traders need to show long-term consistency.

Steady profits are better than big risks – Avoid relying on a few high-risk trades to pass an evaluation.
Focus on long-term sustainability – Prop firms want traders who can manage risk effectively over time.
Treat the prop trading challenge like a real career – The challenge isn’t just a test – it’s a preview of how you’ll trade when funded.

Best Prop Trading Firms for Beginners

Finding the right prop trading firm is crucial for new traders looking to get funded.

Some firms offer fairer challenges, better profit splits, and fewer restrictions, making them more beginner-friendly.

The best firms allow traders to trade comfortably, focus on consistency, and have a real shot at long-term success.

Here are two of the best prop trading firms that provide excellent opportunities for beginners.

1. FunderPro – Best Overall for Aspiring Prop Traders

FunderPro is an ideal choice for traders who want flexibility and fair conditions when getting started with prop trading.

Unlike many firms that rush traders through an evaluation process, FunderPro allows traders to take their time and trade at their own pace.

👉 Get Started Here

Key Features

No time limits on evaluations – Many prop firms require traders to pass a challenge within a strict timeframe, but FunderPro removes that pressure, allowing traders to qualify when they are truly ready.
High profit splits – With up to 90% profit retention, traders keep more of their earnings, making it one of the most rewarding payout structures in the industry.
Refundable challenge fees – If you pass the evaluation, your fee is refunded, making it a risk-free opportunity for traders who successfully qualify.

2. Apex Trader Funding – Best for Futures Traders

For traders specializing in futures markets, Apex Trader Funding is one of the most cost-effective and straightforward options.

The firm is designed to make funding accessible while keeping fees low and trading conditions fair.

👉 Get Started Here

Key Features

Low-cost evaluation fees – Apex Trader Funding offers some of the most affordable challenge fees, making it easier for new traders to get started without a big upfront cost.
No monthly fees once funded – Unlike many firms that require ongoing payments, Apex Trader Funding does not charge traders any recurring fees after passing their challenge.
A great choice for futures traders – The platform is optimized for indices, commodities, and forex futures, making it one of the best prop firms for traders focusing on futures markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Trade Multiple Asset Classes with A Prop Firm?

Yes! Many prop firms allow traders to trade forex, indices, commodities, and even stocks.

Some firms have restrictions on certain asset classes, such as crypto or scalping strategies. Always check the firm’s permitted markets before joining.

Do Prop Trading Firms Offer Educational Resources?

Some firms provide trading guides, webinars, and mentorship programs to help traders improve their skills.

Not all prop firms focus on education – some expect traders to come in with pre-existing knowledge and experience.

Can I Have Multiple Funded Accounts with Different Prop Firms?

Yes! Many traders diversify by having funded accounts with multiple firms, allowing them to increase capital access and spread risk.

However, some firms have rules against trading multiple accounts within the same firm to prevent unfair advantages.

What Happens if I Lose a Funded Account?

If a trader violates the firm’s drawdown or risk limits, they typically lose access to the funded account.

Some firms allow traders to retake the challenge at a discount, while others require them to start over with a new evaluation.

Conclusion

Getting into prop trading is the first step toward trading with large capital and no personal financial risk.

By mastering trading fundamentals, developing a solid strategy, and passing a prop firm challenge, traders can access funded accounts and grow their careers.

Success comes from discipline, risk management, and consistency, not just profit-making.

Firms like FunderPro and Apex Trader Funding provide fair opportunities for aspiring traders. If you’re ready to trade professionally, prop trading is the way forward!