At Funded Futures Family (FFF), progression does not move directly from simulated trading into Live trading. Qualified traders advance into the Professional Stage, a structured and controlled process designed to bridge evaluation performance with professional-level trading under institutional risk standards. This article explains how the transition works, what changes at each step, and what traders should expect throughout the Professional Stage.

The Professional Stage is composed of two consecutive accounts:

All traders entering the Professional Stage must begin with a Pro Account. Direct transitions from Evaluation or Simulated Funded Accounts into Live Accounts do not occur.

Progression flow: Evaluation Accounts / Simulated Funded Accounts → Professional Stage (Pro Account → Live Account)

When a trader qualifies for the Professional Stage, existing Evaluation and Simulated Funded Accounts will be closed while the Live Desk provides next steps and onboarding documents.

Accounts in transition are not available for trading during processing. This status remains in effect until the trader accepts the Professional Stage invitation or the transition window expires.

The Pro Account is not created automatically. Before issuance, the trader must provide explicit written acceptance via email, confirming their intent to proceed into the Professional Stage and acknowledging the applicable operational expectations.

Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in loss of eligibility.

Platform: Tradovate Market data: Included Drawdown: Customized by the Risk Management Team Risk rules and monitoring: Professional Stage standards Withdrawals: Permitted under Professional Stage policies

The Pro Account has a maximum recognized profit of $5,000 for Professional Stage transfer purposes.

Only the first $5,000 in profits are recognized for Pro-to-Live transfer calculations. Profits above this amount are not counted toward the transfer. The recognized amount belongs to the trader and may be withdrawn or transferred according to policy.

This cap applies only at the Pro Account level and does not apply to Live Accounts.

The transition from Pro to Live is not automatic and remains subject to Live Desk review and approval.

A trader may enter active consideration for Live when one or more of the following occurs:

Reaching these points does not trigger an immediate Live transition. Timing depends on performance review, operational factors, and broker processing timelines.

When a trader moves from Pro to Live, the recognized Pro amount transfers as follows:

Live Accounts require completion of mandatory onboarding documentation and broker processing.

Platform: Rithmic

Market data: Not included; traders select and pay for data

Activation timeline: Dependent on document completion and broker processing capacity

Incomplete or missing documentation will delay or prevent Live Account activation.

Live Accounts have no profit cap. Withdrawals are permitted according to Live withdrawal policies and remain subject to ongoing monitoring by the Live Desk and Risk Management Team.

All Professional Stage communications are handled via email through the Live Desk.

Traders must respond to Pro or Live transition emails within 7 days. Extended non-response may result in loss of placement. After 30 days without response, the transition may be canceled entirely.

These timelines apply to both Pro and Live stages.

These timelines apply to transition and onboarding communications and do not limit Live Desk discretion under the Activity & Inactivity Policy.

All transitions within the Professional Stage are subject to Live Desk approval.

FFF reserves the right to delay or accelerate transitions, adjust risk parameters, require additional performance validation, or cancel transitions due to inactivity or non-compliance.

Can I stay in the Pro Account indefinitely?

-No. The Pro Account is a transitional stage and is not designed for indefinite use.

Is the move from Pro to Live automatic once I reach $5,000?

-No. All Live transitions are reviewed and approved by the Live Desk.

Can I return to Evaluation Accounts after entering the Professional Stage?

-No. Returning requires re-entering the evaluation process, if permitted.