At Mastery Trader Academy, we’re committed to helping funded traders not just pass their prop firm evaluation — but actually stay funded and build consistent profitability.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to:
• ✅ Connect your NinjaTrader platform to a futures prop firm account (such as Apex, TopStep, Leeloo, or Bulenox)
• ✅ Set up Rithmic correctly (including signing the data agreement)
• ✅ Place your first live or evaluation trade while avoiding common account-killing mistakes
This is not just about clicking buttons. It’s about:
• Mastering execution under prop firm rules
• Tracking your daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns
• Understanding server setups, risk parameters, and margin behavior
• Avoiding disqualification due to platform errors or rule violations
🚨 Mastery Tip: Start in Demo First
Before connecting to your funded or evaluation account, we strongly recommend that traders spend at least 1–2 days practicing in a simulated environment (like NinjaTrader’s Sim101 account).
This allows you to:
• ✅ Learn the platform layout and DOM settings
• ✅ Test order placement and stop-loss logic
• ✅ Avoid accidental fat-finger trades
• ✅ Build confidence before risking real evaluation capital
Even experienced traders can make platform-specific mistakes that trigger a failed challenge. Practicing in demo first is the safest way to get comfortable and reduce avoidable errors.
📌 Don’t forget to check out our in-depth comparison:
👉 Top Funded Futures Prop Firms in 2025
This article breaks down all the key rules — including evaluation types, profit targets, maximum payouts, and broker integrations — to help you choose the best match before setting up your NinjaTrader connection.
✅ Step 2: Pass the Evaluation Before Going Live
Before you can connect NinjaTrader or use Rithmic data, you need to pass your prop firm evaluation. This is your first milestone — and Mastery Trader Academy strongly recommends that all traders use a demo account while practicing, before risking failure in a real evaluation.
Each futures prop firm has slightly different rules. The challenge is designed to test your discipline, not just your ability to make money.
🎯 What Does “Passing” Mean?
To pass a futures evaluation (e.g., with Apex, TopStep, or Leeloo), you typically must:
Evaluation Criteria Typical Requirement (Varies by Firm)
✅ Profit Target $1,500 – $9,000 depending on account size
❌ Daily Loss Limit $500 – $3,000 (instant failure if breached)
📉 Trailing Drawdown Follows your balance, resets for funded accounts
⏳ Minimum Trading Days 7 to 10 calendar days
📵 No Overnight Holding Most firms close positions by 4:59 PM CT
⚠️ Consistency Rules Some firms penalize one big lucky day
For example, Apex’s $50K account requires a $3,000 profit with no more than a $2,500 trailing drawdown and no daily loss above $1,100.
Important: Not all firms are equal. Some are more lenient (like Apex), while others are stricter but offer better long-term support (like TopStep).
👉 To compare rules across firms and pick the best one for your style, read our full breakdown:
📘 Top Funded Futures Prop Firms in 2025
🧠 Mastery Tips to Pass Your Evaluation
• 💡 Start in SIM — NinjaTrader has a built-in Sim101 account for practice.
• ⚖️ Trade the same size every day — no random size changes.
• 🧘 Stop after 1–2 good trades per day. Don’t overtrade.
• 🔐 Always use stop-loss and calculate your daily max risk before opening your first trade.
• ⏱️ Only trade during active hours (e.g., NY session 8:30–11:30 AM CT).
• 📊 Review your strategy daily. Journaling is key to long-term success.
📃 Once You Pass…
Once you’ve met your profit target without breaking any rules:
- You’ll receive a congratulatory email from your prop firm.
- You must sign the trader agreement and Rithmic data agreement via their dashboard.
- You’ll then receive your live funded account credentials:
o Rithmic ID
o Password
o Server details (e.g., Rithmic Live Chicago)
o Account size and balance
⚠️ Do not skip this step. If you try to log in before signing these forms, NinjaTrader will fail to connect and your Rithmic feed will show errors.
🔗 Step 3: Connect Rithmic to NinjaTrader (Full Setup Guide)
Once you’ve passed your evaluation and received your funded account credentials, it’s time to link everything together. This step is crucial — even a small error can prevent your orders from executing or result in trade violations. - 🧾 What You’ll Receive from the Prop Firm
- Once approved, your prop firm (e.g., Apex, Leeloo, Bulenox) will send you:
• ✅ Rithmic Username
• ✅ Temporary Password (you’ll be prompted to change it)
• ✅ Server Info (usually “Rithmic Paper Trading” or “Rithmic Live – Chicago”)
• ✅ Trader Agreement & Market Data Consent Forms (sign before proceeding)
⚠️ Tip: If you don’t sign the data agreement, Rithmic data will not work in NinjaTrader — even if your credentials are correct.
🧩 Step-by-Step: Download & Set Up Rithmic
- Create a Rithmic Account (if not already done):
o Go to your prop firm’s dashboard.
o Locate “Rithmic Data Agreement” or “Market Data Consent.”
o Sign electronically. Your Rithmic credentials will be activated within 1–6 hours. - Download Rithmic R|Trader Pro (Optional but recommended):
o Visit https://www.rithmic.com
o Download and install R|Trader Pro.
o Log in using the credentials sent by your prop firm.
o This verifies that your account is active and working properly.
🖥️ Connect NinjaTrader to Rithmic (Live or Evaluation)
If you don’t have NinjaTrader installed yet, download it here:
👉 https://ninjatrader.com
- Open NinjaTrader
- Go to: Connections > Configure
- Select Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage or Rithmic for NinjaTrader Continuum (depending on your prop firm)
- Click Add, name the connection (e.g., “Apex Funded”)
- Enter:
o User ID (Rithmic username)
o Password
o System: Select Rithmic Paper Trading or Rithmic Live – Chicago (per your firm)
o Plug-in Mode: Leave unchecked unless required - Press OK
- Return to Connections and select the new Rithmic connection to go live
✅ You should see a green icon if everything is connected successfully.
📍 Final Checks Before Placing Your First Trade
Before you enter a live market order:
• 🧠 Make sure you’re trading the correct account (e.g., not Sim101 if you’re funded)
• 📉 Set your stop-loss and target BEFORE entering the trade
• 🚨 Respect daily loss rules — even one violation can cause account termination
• 📋 Use a trading checklist or journal (like TradeZella or Tradervue)
🛠️ Troubleshooting Rithmic & NinjaTrader Issues
Issue Solution
Invalid credentials Reset password or confirm you signed the data agreement
No data showing in NinjaTrader Confirm you selected the correct server + signed market data forms
Red error bars or freezing Restart NinjaTrader, recheck internet, or switch servers
Trades not showing in DOM Make sure you’re connected to funded account, not simulation
🟢 Step 4: Place Your First Live Trade Safely in NinjaTrader
Now that you’ve connected Rithmic to NinjaTrader and confirmed that your funded account is active, it’s time to execute your first trade — but only after taking every precaution. Funded accounts come with strict rules, and violating any of them (even accidentally) can get your account terminated or reset.
Here’s a complete breakdown to guide you through your first funded trade:
✅ Pre-Trade Checklist (Don’t Skip This)
- Confirm You’re Logged into the Correct Account
o Go to your Control Center > Accounts
o Ensure you’re using the live prop firm account (e.g., Apex12345) — not Sim101 or Rithmic Paper. - Know Your Daily Loss Limit
o Every prop firm has a maximum daily loss rule. If you exceed it — even for one second — the account fails.
o Example: If your daily loss limit is $1,250, NEVER let your open drawdown exceed this. - Use Bracket Orders (OCO)
o Always place a stop-loss and target together to avoid emotional exits.
o You can use NinjaTrader’s ATM strategy to automatically place a stop and profit target when you enter a trade. - Avoid Trading During News Events
o Many firms prohibit or limit trading around major news like NFP, CPI, or FOMC.
o Check the Forex Factory calendar or Trading Economics daily before trading. - Double-Check Your Instrument
o Make sure you’re using the correct contract month (e.g., GC 08-25 for Gold Futures).
o Expired or inactive contracts can lead to poor fills or errors.
🧾 How to Enter a Trade in NinjaTrader (Live Account)
Example: Entering a Short Trade on Gold Futures (GC)
- Open the SuperDOM or Chart Trader
- Confirm the instrument is correct (e.g., GC 08-25)
- Select your Live Account in the dropdown (e.g., Apex12345)
- Click Sell Market or place a limit order at your desired price
- Your ATM Strategy will auto-place:
o 🛑 Stop-loss (e.g., 10 ticks)
o 🎯 Profit target (e.g., 20 ticks) - Monitor your trade — use the Positions tab or chart panel
💡 Pro Tip: Your first trade should be low risk — just to test fills, bracket orders, and platform behavior.
🚨 Post-Trade Risk Reminders
Even if you’re funded, you’re still under rules. After your trade:
• Check your daily PnL and ensure you’re not near violation
• Log the trade in your journal (e.g., setup, entry, exit, emotions)
• Avoid trading emotionally or scaling up too fast
🎯 NinjaTrader Tips to Keep You Funded
Tip Why It Matters
Use ATM strategies Automates exits and prevents slippage
Set a daily stop-loss in your mind Stop manually if you’re close to max loss
Avoid revenge trading Most funded accounts are lost after emotional trades
Trade only when focused Never trade when tired, rushed, or distracted
You’ve now completed your first prop firm trade in NinjaTrader. 🎉
✅ Final Thoughts: You’re Ready to Go Live
Placing your first funded trade in NinjaTrader is a huge milestone. You’ve:
• ✅ Passed a prop firm evaluation
• ✅ Set up your Rithmic connection
• ✅ Signed the necessary agreements
• ✅ Configured NinjaTrader correctly
• ✅ Followed risk rules and placed your first real trade
At Mastery Trader Academy, we believe the real challenge isn’t just passing the evaluation — it’s what comes after. That’s why we always recommend starting with a demo inside NinjaTrader, logging your trades, and slowly building confidence.
🎯 Reminder: Revisit our guide on Top Futures Prop Firms to choose the right firm for your style and payout needs.
🧠 Want to master Step 5 — tracking performance and securing consistent payouts?
📅 Stay tuned for our next article:
“How to Withdraw Profits and Stay Funded: Smart Money Management for Prop Firm Traders”
🔜 Coming Next: How to Withdraw Profits and Stay Funded
Passing the challenge and placing your first trade is only the beginning.
In our next article, we’ll walk you through:
• 📊 How to track your performance like a pro
• 💸 When and how to request your first payout
• 🚫 The hidden rules that can cause payout denials or account breaches
• 🧠 The mindset you need to stay consistently funded
👉 Don’t miss it: “How to Withdraw Profits and Stay Funded: Smart Money Management for Prop Firm Traders”
Stay focused. Trade smart. The journey to mastery continues.
— Mastery Trader Academy
Before placing your first trade on NinjaTrader, it’s essential to understand the full setup process and risk rules outlined by your prop firm. Start by reviewing our Top Funded Futures Prop Firms in 2025 guide to choose a firm that aligns with your trading style. Once selected, download the platform from the official NinjaTrader website and follow the exact steps to connect your Rithmic account securely. For best results, traders should also explore our step-by-step evaluation strategy to avoid disqualifications and maximize their chances of long-term funding.