The Order of Merit was introduced in 1989, with the top five players on it winning membership of the European Tour for the following season.

Twenty players earn direct promotion to the European Tour.

Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for high finishes in Challenge Tour events.

The Challenge Tour Grand Final gave 17 points to the winner.

The Challenge Tour also offers status to players competing in the European Tour Qualifying School, giving privileges to those who make the 72-hole cut at the final stage but fail to place in the top 20.

In 2011, the tour added its first events in Asia, the Gujarat Kensville Challenge in India and the Kazakhstan Open.