How prop firm evaluations work
What to look for in a paid evaluation: profit targets, loss limits, fees and what happens after you pass.
In brief: Retail prop programs with evaluations often start with simulated trading under a firm’s rules. Reaching the profit target alone does not mean you have passed: you still have to meet the other conditions.
Separate the target from the limits
A profit target describes the result you have to reach. A loss limit defines when an account breaches the rules. During evaluation, QATS Prop checks net profit, trading days, daily losses and maximum drawdown. Best-day conditions depend on the offer.
Find out how drawdown works
Check whether the loss threshold is measured from a starting balance, a daily high or another benchmark. Check when the threshold can move and whether open positions count. Two programs with the same advertised account size can give you very different room before a breach.
Calculate the cost of attempting the evaluation
Check subscription, reset, activation and market-data fees separately. Compare three scenarios: passing on the first attempt, taking two attempts and cancelling before passing. Note which charges renew automatically and which are optional.
Read the terms for the next stage
Find out whether trading stays simulated, how payouts are requested and what can close the account. Read the rules that apply to your jurisdiction and the date you enroll.