Scoring Methodology
Version 1.0 — April 2026
Why this exists
Most prop firm review sites are affiliate-first. Scores are assigned after commercial negotiations. Reviews are positive by default. We built TraderVerdict to fix that.
Every score on this site is computed from publicly verifiable evidence before any commercial contact with the firm. If a score goes up, it's because the evidence changed — not because a deal was signed.
The three scoring models
Prop Firms
6 dimensions, 16 variables. Emphasis on payout integrity (30%) and rules integrity (22%).
Platforms
4 dimensions, 10 variables. Emphasis on feature completeness and charting quality.
Brokerages
5 dimensions, 12 variables. Adds regulatory standing and CIPF/CIRO coverage for Canadian traders.
Prop firm dimensions
| Dimension | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
Payout Integrity | 30% | Do they pay traders fairly, on time, without hidden blocks? |
Rules Integrity | 22% | Are rules clear, fair, and consistently applied? |
Rules Stability | 8% | How often do terms change without notice? |
Business Viability | 18% | Is this firm financially stable and likely to survive? |
Platform & Execution | 9% | What platforms are available and how is execution quality? |
Cost Fairness | 10% | Are challenge fees, resets, and costs reasonable? |
The 16 scored variables
Hard cap rules
Some conditions override the computed composite score regardless of other variables:
- Suspension history score ≤ 2: composite is capped at 49 (Below Avg). A firm that suspended operations cannot score Average or better.
- Payout split score ≤ 1: composite is capped at 39 (Poor). A firm with an exploitative split structure cannot escape the Poor tier.
Strategy compatibility badges
Three badges appear on each firm card — Compatible, Limited, or Avoid — for scalping, swing trading, and beginner traders. These are derived from specific variable scores (execution quality, drawdown model, rule clarity) and are not editorial opinions.
Freshness requirements
Every score must be re-verified when a firm changes its rules. We run an automated TOS differ daily. Human review triggers a score update within 48 hours of a confirmed rule change. The verified date on each firm page shows when evidence was last checked.
Independence firewall
Scores are assigned before any commercial contact with firms. If a firm reaches out for an affiliate relationship, our response is: “We'll share our score. If it's above 50, we'll add your affiliate link.”
The hard rule: Firms scoring below 50 do not receive affiliate links, regardless of commission rates offered. This is non-negotiable and publicly committed.
Frequently asked questions
How does TraderVerdict score prop firms?
We score firms across 6 dimensions and 16 variables. The composite score is a weighted average where payout integrity accounts for 30%, rules integrity 22%, business viability 18%, cost fairness 10%, platform execution 9%, and rules stability 8%.
Are scores influenced by affiliate relationships?
No. Scores are assigned before any commercial contact with firms. Affiliate links are only added to firms scoring above 50. The score is never adjusted based on commercial agreements.
How often are scores updated?
Scores are re-verified whenever a firm changes its rules. An automated TOS differ runs daily. Human review triggers a score update within 48 hours of a confirmed rule change.
What are hard cap rules?
Certain conditions cap the composite score regardless of other variables. A suspension history score of 2 or below caps the composite at 49. A payout split score of 1 or below caps the composite at 39.
What does the strategy compatibility badge mean?
Badges show whether a firm is Compatible, Limited, or Avoid for scalping, swing trading, and beginner traders. They are derived from specific scored variables, not editorial opinions.