Do Prop Firm Tests Have a Time Limit? What to Expect [2025]

Do prop firm tests have a time limit? This is a critical question that affects how you approach your evaluation. The answer varies significantly between firms—some give you 30 days to pass, others impose no time limit at all. This guide covers exactly what time constraints you'll face at major prop firms, how to manage your timeline effectively, and which firms offer the most flexibility in 2025.

Do Prop Firm Tests Have a Time Limit? The Complete Answer

Most traditional prop firms impose some form of time limit on their evaluations. However, the industry has evolved significantly, with many firms now offering unlimited time or extended deadlines. Understanding these differences helps you choose a firm that matches your trading style.

Time Limit Categories

Prop firm time limits generally fall into three categories:

Strict time limits: 30-60 days to complete evaluation (most common)
Extended time limits: 90-180 days or "soft" deadlines
No time limit: Trade at your own pace indefinitely

The type of time limit dramatically affects your trading psychology and strategy approach. Rushed deadlines often lead to overtrading and forced entries, while unlimited time allows for patient, selective trading.

Prop Firms with Time Limits

These major prop firms impose specific deadlines on their evaluations:

FTMO

FTMO's standard evaluation includes:

FTMO Challenge: 30 days to reach 10% profit target
Verification: 60 days to reach 5% profit target
Extensions available: Possible if you're in profit and trading actively

While FTMO has time limits, their extension policy is relatively generous for traders showing progress.

The Funded Trader

Standard Challenge: 35 days for Phase 1
Rapid Challenge: 10 trading days for Phase 1
Royal Challenge: 60 days for Phase 1

MyFundedFX

Standard evaluation: 45 days for Phase 1, 45 days for Phase 2
One-step evaluation: 45 days total

Prop Firms with No Time Limit

An increasing number of firms now offer evaluations with no time constraints. This trader-friendly approach has become a major selling point.

TradersYard

TradersYard's evaluation has no time limit—pass at your own pace. This allows traders to:

Wait for optimal market conditions
Avoid forced trades during low-volatility periods
Take breaks without penalty
Focus on quality setups rather than meeting deadlines

Combined with evaluations from €36, sub-4-hour payouts, and scaling to $500K, the no-time-limit policy makes TradersYard particularly attractive for swing traders and those with other commitments.

FunderPro

FunderPro offers unlimited time on their evaluations. There's no pressure to complete within specific days, allowing methodical trading approaches.

The5ers (Certain Programs)

The5ers' Hyper Growth program has no time limits. Their bootcamp and other programs may have different structures.

True Forex Funds

No time limit on evaluations—trade until you reach the profit target or hit drawdown limits.

Why Time Limits Matter

Understanding whether prop firm tests have a time limit affects your entire approach to the evaluation.

Psychological Impact

Time limits create pressure that can lead to:

Overtrading: Taking marginal setups to meet deadlines
Increased position sizes: Trying to accelerate returns
Revenge trading: Attempting to recover losses quickly
FOMO: Entering trades you'd normally skip

These behaviors are the primary causes of evaluation failure. Traders who feel rushed make poor decisions that violate their normal strategies.

Strategy Considerations

Different trading styles require different time flexibility:

Scalpers: Can work within tight deadlines (many opportunities daily)
Day traders: 30-day limits usually sufficient
Swing traders: May need 60+ days or no limit
Position traders: Absolutely need no time limit

If your strategy requires waiting for specific setups that occur infrequently, a firm with no time limit is essential.

How to Manage Prop Firm Time Limits

If you must work within time constraints, these strategies help:

Calculate Required Daily Returns

For a 30-day challenge with 10% profit target:

Required average: 0.33% per day
With weekends: 0.5% per trading day (20 trading days)
Buffer for losing days: Aim for 0.7% on winning days

Understanding the math removes panic and allows systematic progress.

Front-Load Your Trading

Don't wait until the final week. Build profit cushion early:

Week 1: Aim for 3-4% profit
Week 2: Maintain pace, reach 5-7%
Week 3: Conservative approach, protect gains
Week 4: Final push if needed, or coast to target

Know Your Extension Options

Many firms offer extensions under certain conditions:

Account is in profit
You've been actively trading
No rule violations
Some require a small fee

Check your firm's extension policy before starting.

Minimum Trading Day Requirements

Separate from time limits, many firms require minimum trading days:

FTMO: Minimum 4 trading days
FundedNext: Minimum 5 trading days
MyFundedFX: Minimum 5 trading days
TradersYard: No minimum day requirement

This prevents traders from gambling everything on one or two trades. Even with no time limit, you may need to trade a certain number of days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do prop firm tests have a time limit?

It depends on the firm. Traditional prop firms typically impose 30-60 day limits, while newer firms increasingly offer unlimited time. Research your specific firm's policies before purchasing an evaluation. TradersYard, FunderPro, and certain The5ers programs have no time limits.

What happens if I don't pass in time?

If you fail to meet the profit target within the deadline, you typically fail the evaluation and must purchase a new one. Some firms offer discounted retakes or free retries if you were profitable but didn't reach the target.

Can I get an extension on my prop firm challenge?

Many firms offer extensions under certain conditions—usually requiring that you're in profit and have been actively trading. Some charge a small fee, others provide free extensions. Check your firm's specific policy.

Which prop firms have no time limit?

Firms with no time limits include TradersYard, FunderPro, True Forex Funds, and certain programs from The5ers. This feature is increasingly common as firms compete for traders who value flexibility.

Is a shorter time limit better or worse?

Neither—it depends on your trading style. Scalpers and active day traders may prefer shorter periods with quicker resolution. Swing traders and those with other commitments benefit from longer or unlimited time frames. Match the time structure to your actual trading approach.

Do I have to trade every day during the evaluation?

No. Even firms with time limits don't require daily trading. However, most require a minimum number of trading days (typically 4-10) to pass. You can spread these across the evaluation period as market conditions warrant.

Choosing Based on Time Requirements

Match your prop firm to your availability and style:

Choose Time-Limited Firms If:

You trade actively (5+ trades per day)
You have full-time availability for trading
You want forced accountability/deadlines
Your strategy generates frequent opportunities

Choose No-Time-Limit Firms If:

You're a swing or position trader
You have limited daily availability
Your strategy requires waiting for specific setups
You want to avoid deadline-induced stress
Market conditions vary and you need flexibility

Conclusion

Do prop firm tests have a time limit? Many do, but increasingly firms are offering unlimited-time evaluations. The right choice depends on your trading style, availability, and psychological relationship with deadlines. Scalpers and active traders can work within 30-day windows, while swing traders should prioritize no-time-limit firms.

Don't let artificial deadlines compromise your trading strategy. Choose a firm whose structure matches how you actually trade.

For traders who prefer to pass at their own pace, TradersYard offers evaluations with no time limit from just €36. Combined with flexible trading rules, sub-4-hour payouts, and scaling to $500K, you can focus on quality trading without deadline pressure. Start your evaluation and pass when you're ready.