7-Day Demo Testing Blueprint
Never go live without proper validation. This structured approach helps you catch issues before real money is at risk.
7-Day Testing Schedule
1Day 1: Setup & Baseline
- Install EA on demo account with $10,000 balance
- Configure initial settings (lot size 0.01, default parameters)
- Enable all logging (journal, experts, trade history)
- Document starting equity and baseline metrics
- Verify broker spread and execution during market hours
2Day 2: Functionality Validation
- Confirm EA opens and closes trades correctly
- Verify stop loss and take profit levels are placed
- Check magic number isolation (no conflicts)
- Test manual intervention (close trade, modify SL/TP)
- Monitor for any error messages in journal
3Day 3: Stress Conditions
- Test during high-impact news release
- Monitor behavior during spread widening
- Check behavior at market open/close
- Observe weekend gap handling (if applicable)
- Document any unexpected behaviors
4Day 4: Edge Cases
- Disconnect internet briefly, reconnect, observe recovery
- Restart MT4/MT5 while EA has open positions
- Test with insufficient margin scenario
- Verify behavior if broker rejects order
- Check handling of partial fills (if applicable)
5Day 5: Performance Metrics
- Calculate win rate from trades so far
- Measure average profit/loss per trade
- Assess max drawdown experienced
- Compare actual vs expected trade frequency
- Review risk/reward ratios achieved
6Day 6: Parameter Tuning
- Adjust one parameter based on observations
- Document the change and rationale
- Continue monitoring with new settings
- Compare results to previous configuration
- Note any improvements or regressions
7Day 7: Go/No-Go Decision
- Compile all metrics into summary report
- Review against your predefined criteria
- Assess emotional comfort with trading style
- Make decision: extend demo, go live small, or revise
- Document lessons learned for future reference
Go-Live Checklist
Before transitioning to live trading, ensure all critical items are checked. Non-critical items are recommended but not blockers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Testing on demo with unrealistic spreads
Why it matters: Demo accounts often have tighter spreads than live. Your scalping EA might work on demo but fail live.
Fix: Ask broker for typical live spreads, or use a cent account for more realistic testing.
Only testing during calm markets
Why it matters: EAs often fail during volatility, news, or gaps — exactly when you need them most.
Fix: Deliberately test during NFP, FOMC, and market opens. Note any issues.
Rushing to live after 2-3 profitable trades
Why it matters: Small sample sizes mean nothing statistically. A few winners could be luck.
Fix: Minimum 20-30 trades, ideally 50+, before drawing conclusions.
Not documenting settings and changes
Why it matters: You'll forget what worked and waste time re-discovering optimal settings.
Fix: Keep a trading journal with every parameter change and its result.
Ignoring small errors in the journal
Why it matters: Small errors compound. 'Order rejected' once might mean 'fails constantly' live.
Fix: Investigate every error, no matter how minor. Understand root cause.
Templates & Resources
Conservative Demo Settings
Start with these safe parameters: 0.01 lots, 2% max risk, wide stops.
Testing Journal Template
Track daily observations, trades, errors, and insights.