How Long Does It Take to Pass FTMO Challenge?

The honest answer? It depends. We've seen traders pass in 8 days, and others take the full 90 days across both phases. Here's what actually determines your timeline.

FTMO Challenge Time Rules

Phase	Time Limit	Minimum Days	Profit Target
Phase 1 (Challenge)	30 days	4 trading days	10%
Phase 2 (Verification)	60 days	4 trading days	5%

Realistic Timelines Based on Trading Style

Aggressive Scalpers: 8-15 Days Total

If you're taking multiple trades per day with a proven edge, you can hit targets quickly. The 4-day minimum per phase is your only constraint.

Risk: Aggressive trading increases blow-up risk. One bad day can end your challenge.

Swing Traders: 15-30 Days Total

Taking 2-5 trades per week means slower progress but more controlled risk. Most successful FTMO traders fall in this category.

Advantage: Less screen time, lower stress, more sustainable.

Conservative Traders: 30-60 Days Total

If you're risking 0.5% per trade and waiting for A+ setups only, expect to use more of your time allowance. Nothing wrong with this — passing slow beats failing fast.

What Most People Get Wrong

Trying to Pass Too Fast

The #1 mistake: overleveraging to hit 10% quickly. You have 30 days — use them. Risking 3-5% per trade to "speed up" the process almost always ends in a blown account.

Ignoring the Minimum Days Rule

Even if you hit 10% profit on day 2, you must trade 4 days total. Some traders get bored and overrade, giving back profits. Hit your target, then trade minimal size to complete the day requirement.

Treating Phase 2 Like Phase 1

Phase 2 only requires 5% profit with 60 days to do it. Many traders fail by keeping the same aggressive approach from Phase 1. Slow down — you're almost there.

Our Data: Average Pass Times

From 150+ challenges we've traded at Riviera Capital:

• Phase 1 average: 12 trading days
• Phase 2 average: 8 trading days
• Total average: 20 trading days (~4 calendar weeks)
• Fastest pass: 8 trading days (both phases)

How to Pass Faster (Without Blowing Up)

1. Trade during high-volatility sessions — London and NY opens offer the best moves
2. Focus on 1-2 pairs only — Master one market instead of chasing setups everywhere
3. Use the full 5% daily drawdown — Not recklessly, but don't be so conservative you can't hit targets
4. Set daily profit targets — Aim for 1-2% per day; you'll hit 10% in 5-10 trading days
5. Stop trading when you hit your daily goal — Overtrading gives back profits

When to Consider a Professional Service

If time is your constraint — maybe you work full-time, or you've failed multiple challenges — hiring a professional trader can be more cost-effective than buying repeated challenges.

At Riviera Capital, our average pass time is 20 trading days with an 85%+ success rate. Learn about our challenge passing service.