How to Pass the Topstep Trading Combine: The Complete Authority Guide

Passing the Topstep Trading Combine has become one of the most sought-after achievements in modern futures trading. As the proprietary trading industry continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, thousands of traders worldwide are searching for reliable ways to secure funded accounts without risking their own capital. If you’ve been searching for a legitimate Prop Firms Passing Services provider, you’ve arrived at the right destination.

At All Prop Funding, we specialize in delivering professional Funded Account Management Services that combine advanced risk management, proprietary trading algorithms, and years of market expertise. Our mission is simple: help traders Pass My Prop Firms challenges efficiently while building sustainable, long-term trading careers.

The Topstep Trading Combine represents one of the most reputable evaluation programs in the industry. Founded in Chicago and operating since 2012, Topstep has built a reputation for fair rules, reliable payouts, and genuine opportunities for talented traders. However, the evaluation process is intentionally challenging—designed to filter out undisciplined traders and reward only those with proven consistency.

Whether you’re a complete beginner exploring prop firm services for the first time, or an experienced trader who has struggled with the consistency requirements, our comprehensive guide will provide you with the exact framework needed to pass the Topstep Trading Combine successfully.

What You’ll Learn in This Complete Guide

• A comprehensive understanding of what Topstep is and how the Trading Combine works
• Step-by-step strategies to pass each phase of the evaluation
• Professional risk management techniques used by our funded traders
• Platform setup guides for NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Quantower
• Common mistakes that cause traders to fail and how to avoid them
• Insider tips on Topstep payout rules, scaling plans, and consistency requirements
• How our Prop firm passing EA and managed services accelerate your success

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete roadmap to navigate the Topstep Trading Combine with confidence. Whether you choose to implement these strategies independently or partner with our Legit prop firm passing service, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge that separates successful funded traders from those who repeatedly fail evaluations.

What is Topstep? Topstep is a leading proprietary trading firm based in Chicago, Illinois, that provides traders with the opportunity to trade futures contracts using the firm’s capital. Founded in 2012, Topstep has become one of the most recognized names in the prop firm industry, offering traders a clear path from evaluation to funded status without requiring them to risk their own money.

When traders search for Pass prop firm challenge solutions, Topstep consistently ranks among the top choices due to its transparent rules, reliable payouts, and professional reputation. The company operates through its signature product called the Trading Combine, which serves as an evaluation program designed to identify disciplined, profitable traders.

The History of Topstep Trader Chicago

TopstepTrader Chicago has been at the forefront of the prop trading revolution for over a decade. Unlike traditional prop firms that require traders to pass interviews or demonstrate years of experience, Topstep created a merit-based system where anyone with the right skills can earn a funded account. This democratization of access to professional trading capital has made Topstep one of the most searched terms in the industry.

The company’s evolution from a small Chicago-based operation to a global platform serving thousands of traders reflects the broader shift in the trading industry. Today, Topstep offers multiple account sizes, supports various trading platforms, and provides one of the most straightforward payout structures in the business.

How Topstep Works: The Complete Process

Understanding how Topstep works is essential for any trader considering their evaluation program. The process begins when you Topstep sign up for a Trading Combine account. You’ll choose your preferred account size, select a trading platform, and begin trading in a simulated environment that mirrors real market conditions.

During the evaluation phase, you must reach a specific profit target while adhering to strict risk management rules. These rules include daily loss limits, maximum trailing drawdown limits, and consistency requirements. Once you meet all the criteria, you advance to the funded account phase where you trade with Topstep’s capital and keep a percentage of the profits you generate.

The beauty of the Topstep system lies in its simplicity and fairness. Unlike some competitors with hidden rules or moving targets, Topstep provides clear, documented guidelines that traders can follow. This transparency is one reason why so many traders search for Prop firm passing service reviews specifically mentioning Topstep—they want to work with a firm that treats traders fairly.

Topstep Account Sizes and Pricing

Topstep offers several account sizes to accommodate traders with different experience levels and risk appetites. Understanding these options is crucial when planning your approach to the Trading Combine.

Many traders wonder about the Topstep activation fee discount opportunities and whether there are Topstep coupon codes available. While Topstep occasionally offers promotional pricing, the real value comes from passing the combine efficiently—something our Funded account passing service excels at delivering.

Topstep Trading Hours and Market Access

One common question from new traders is what time does Topstep close trades and when does Topstep market open. Topstep provides access to CME Group futures markets, which operate nearly 24 hours a day, Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. The specific trading hours depend on the instrument you’re trading:

• E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET
• Nasdaq 100 (NQ): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET
• Dow Jones (YM): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET
• Gold (GC): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET
• Crude Oil (CL): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET

Understanding these hours is crucial for planning your trading sessions and ensuring you’re active during periods of optimal liquidity and volatility. Our professional traders at All Prop Funding carefully time their entries to coincide with the most favorable market conditions, maximizing the probability of successful trades while minimizing exposure to unpredictable price movements.

Despite the growing popularity of prop firm evaluations, the failure rate remains alarmingly high. Industry estimates suggest that over 70% of traders who attempt the Topstep Trading Combine fail to reach funded status on their first attempt. Understanding why this happens is crucial for developing a successful strategy.

1. Poor Risk Management

The single most common reason traders fail the Topstep combine is inadequate risk management. Many traders treat the evaluation like a get-rich-quick scheme, risking too much on individual trades and quickly hitting the daily loss limit or maximum drawdown. Professional Funded Account Management Services address this by implementing strict position sizing rules that protect capital while still allowing for meaningful profit generation.

2. Emotional Trading and Revenge Trading

After experiencing a losing trade, many traders fall into the trap of revenge trading—trying to immediately recover losses by taking larger, riskier positions. This emotional response often leads to a cascade of losses that quickly breaches the drawdown limits. Trading psychology is a critical component that our Prop Firms Passing Services team addresses through disciplined execution protocols.

3. Lack of a Defined Trading Strategy

Many traders enter the Topstep combine without a clearly defined, backtested strategy. They jump between different setups, indicators, and timeframes, creating inconsistency in their results. The consistency rule in Topstep specifically targets this behavior, requiring that no single day accounts for more than 50% of total profits.

4. Overtrading and Forced Trades

The pressure to reach the profit target can lead traders to overtrade—taking low-quality setups just to stay active in the market. This behavior increases transaction costs, exposes traders to unnecessary risk, and often results in losses that set back progress significantly.

5. Ignoring the Consistency Rule

One of the most unique aspects of Topstep is the consistency rule. Traders who have a single massive winning day often fail because that day represents more than 50% of their total profits. This rule exists to ensure that funded traders demonstrate sustainable, repeatable performance rather than relying on lucky streaks.

6. Platform and Technical Issues

Some traders struggle with the technical aspects of trading on platforms like NinjaTrader, Tradovate, or Quantower. Issues with order execution, ATM strategies, or platform configuration can lead to unintended losses. Our team provides comprehensive platform setup support to ensure traders have optimal configurations from day one.

7. Inadequate Understanding of Futures Markets

Futures trading differs significantly from forex or stock trading in terms of leverage, margin requirements, and contract specifications. Traders who don’t fully understand these nuances often make costly mistakes. For example, knowing how many contracts can I trade on Topstep for gold or understanding the tick value of different instruments is essential for proper position sizing.

Passing the Topstep Trading Combine requires a systematic approach that combines technical analysis, risk management, and psychological discipline. Over the years, our team at All Prop Funding has refined a methodology that has helped thousands of traders achieve funded status. Here’s our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Choose the Right Account Size

The first decision you’ll make is selecting your account size. While it might be tempting to go for the largest account ($150K), we recommend starting with an account size that matches your experience level and risk tolerance. The $50K account offers the most manageable profit target ($3,000) and is ideal for traders new to the Topstep combine.

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Your previous trading experience and track record
• The amount of time you can dedicate to trading daily
• Your comfort level with the drawdown limits
• Your monthly budget for subscription fees

Step 2: Select Your Trading Platform

Topstep supports three primary platforms: NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Quantower. Each platform has its strengths:

• NinjaTrader: Most popular among futures traders, extensive customization, powerful charting, and a large community of users
• Tradovate: Cloud-based platform with excellent mobile support, ideal for traders who want flexibility
• Quantower: Advanced multi-asset platform with professional-grade tools, popular among institutional traders

Many traders search for how to connect Topstep to Tradovate or how to download TopstepX. Our team provides detailed setup guides for each platform, ensuring you have the optimal configuration before you begin trading.

Step 3: Develop a Clear Trading Plan

Before placing your first trade, you need a documented trading plan that includes:

• Specific entry criteria (indicators, patterns, timeframes)
• Clear exit rules (profit targets, stop losses)
• Position sizing rules (risk per trade, max daily risk)
• Trading hours and sessions
• Instruments you’ll focus on

Our Prop firm management service provides pre-built trading plans that have been tested across thousands of trades. These plans are designed specifically for the Topstep combine environment, taking into account the unique rules and constraints.

Step 4: Master Risk Management

Risk management is the foundation of successful combine trading. Here are the key principles we follow:

• Risk 1-2% per trade: Never risk more than 1-2% of your account on a single trade
• Daily loss limit: Stop trading for the day if you hit 50% of your daily loss limit
• Maximum trades per day: Limit yourself to 3-5 high-quality trades daily
• Consistency focus: Aim for steady, consistent profits rather than home runs

Step 5: Focus on High-Probability Setups

Not all trading opportunities are created equal. During the combine phase, you should focus exclusively on high-probability setups that align with your trading plan. Common high-probability setups include:

• Trend continuation patterns on the 15-minute and 1-hour timeframes
• Breakout and retest setups at key support/resistance levels
• Morning range breakouts during the first hour of the US session
• Mean reversion setups at extreme RSI or Bollinger Band levels

Step 6: Track and Analyze Your Performance

Consistent improvement requires consistent tracking. Maintain a detailed trading journal that records:

• Entry and exit prices with timestamps
• Reason for taking the trade
• Emotional state during the trade
• Outcome and lessons learned

Regular review of your trading journal helps identify patterns in your behavior and performance, allowing you to make data-driven adjustments to your strategy.

Step 7: Maintain Psychological Discipline

The psychological aspect of trading cannot be overstated. During the combine phase, you’ll face pressure to perform, fear of losing, and temptation to deviate from your plan. Successful traders maintain discipline through:

• Pre-defined daily routines and trading schedules
• Meditation or mindfulness practices before trading sessions
• Strict adherence to their trading plan regardless of emotions
• Regular breaks to avoid fatigue and decision fatigue

Step 8: Understand the Topstep Express Rules

Topstep recently introduced the Express account, which offers a streamlined path to funded status. The Topstep Express rules differ from the traditional combine in several key ways:

• No minimum trading days requirement
• Simplified consistency rules
• Faster path to funded status
• Different profit target structure

Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right account type for your trading style. Our team can help you determine whether the Express account or traditional combine is better suited to your approach.

Step 9: Plan for the Funded Phase

Passing the combine is just the beginning. Once you reach funded status, you’ll need to maintain consistent performance while adhering to the Topstep Express funded rules or traditional funded account rules. This includes understanding the Topstep scaling plan, which allows successful traders to increase their account size and profit potential over time.

Step 10: Prepare for Payouts

Understanding the Topstep payout rules is essential for maximizing your earnings. Topstep offers some of the fastest payouts in the industry, typically processing requests within 24-48 hours. You can request payouts via PayPal or bank transfer, and the process is straightforward through the Topstep dashboard.

Understanding Topstep’s rules inside and out is essential for passing the combine. These rules are designed to identify disciplined traders who can manage risk effectively. Let’s break down each rule category in detail.

Profit Target Rules

The profit target is the primary objective of the Trading Combine. You must reach the specified profit target for your account size while adhering to all other rules. The profit targets are:

• $50K Account: $3,000 profit target
• $100K Account: $6,000 profit target
• $150K Account: $9,000 profit target

Maximum Trailing Drawdown

The maximum trailing drawdown is the most critical rule in the Topstep combine. This rule tracks the highest point your account reaches and sets a drawdown limit based on that peak. If your account equity falls below this threshold, you fail the combine.

For example, on a $50K account with a $2,500 maximum trailing drawdown, if your account reaches $52,000, your new drawdown limit becomes $49,500 ($52,000 – $2,500). This trailing mechanism means the drawdown limit only moves up, never down, making it essential to protect your profits once you achieve them.

Daily Loss Limit

The daily loss limit restricts how much you can lose in a single trading day. If you hit this limit, you must stop trading for the day. The daily loss limits are:

• $50K Account: $2,000 daily loss limit
• $100K Account: $4,000 daily loss limit
• $150K Account: $5,000 daily loss limit

Consistency Rule

The consistency rule ensures that your profits come from consistent trading rather than a single lucky day. During the combine phase, no single trading day can account for more than 50% of your total profits. This rule promotes sustainable trading habits and filters out traders who rely on high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Minimum Trading Days

Traditional Topstep combines require a minimum number of trading days before you can pass. This requirement varies by account type and ensures that traders demonstrate consistency over time. The Express account eliminates this requirement, allowing traders to pass as soon as they meet the profit target.

Trading Hours and Instrument Restrictions

Topstep allows trading during regular CME market hours. Some instruments may have specific restrictions or different margin requirements. Understanding these restrictions is crucial for proper position sizing and risk management.

Topstep Payout Rules

Once you’re funded, understanding the payout rules becomes crucial. Topstep offers some of the most favorable payout terms in the industry:

• First payout available after 10 trading days
• 90% profit split for traders (one of the highest in the industry)
• 24-48 hour payout processing time
• Multiple payout methods including PayPal and bank transfer
• No minimum payout amount for most account types

Topstep Scaling Plan

The Topstep scaling plan rewards consistent performers with increased account sizes. As you demonstrate profitability over time, Topstep may increase your account size, allowing you to trade larger positions and generate higher profits. This scaling mechanism is one of the key benefits of building a long-term relationship with Topstep.

Reset Credits and Free Resets

Topstep occasionally offers reset credits or free resets to traders who fail their combine. A reset credit on Topstep allows you to restart your evaluation without paying the full subscription fee again. These credits are typically offered as part of promotional campaigns or loyalty programs.

Many traders search for Topstep free reset opportunities. While these aren’t always available, our team stays updated on the latest promotions and can help you take advantage of these opportunities when they arise.

Proper platform setup is crucial for efficient trading on Topstep. Each platform has its unique features and configuration options that can significantly impact your trading performance. Let’s explore each platform in detail.

NinjaTrader Setup for Topstep

NinjaTrader is the most popular platform among Topstep traders, offering extensive customization options and a large community of users. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download NinjaTrader 8 from the official website
2. Create your Topstep account and obtain your credentials
3. Connect NinjaTrader to Topstep using the provided connection details
4. Configure your chart templates with preferred indicators
5. Set up ATM (Advanced Trade Management) strategies for automated stop losses and profit targets
6. Test your setup with simulated trades before going live

Many traders search for Topstep XFA rules and TopstepX how to set ATM. Our team provides detailed video tutorials and one-on-one support to ensure your NinjaTrader setup is optimized for Topstep trading.

Tradovate Setup for Topstep

Tradovate is a cloud-based platform that offers excellent mobile support and a clean, intuitive interface. To connect Topstep to Tradovate:

1. Download the Tradovate desktop or mobile app
2. Log in with your Topstep credentials
3. Configure your workspace with preferred charts and tools
4. Set up order types and hotkeys for efficient execution
5. Test the connection with simulated trades

Traders often ask how to copy trades on Tradovate or how to copy trade on Topstep. While Topstep doesn’t natively support trade copying, our managed services can execute trades on your behalf using professional-grade infrastructure.

Quantower Setup for Topstep

Quantower is a professional-grade platform popular among institutional traders. It offers advanced charting, multi-asset support, and powerful analytics tools. The Quantower Project X integration with Topstep provides seamless access to futures markets.

Setting up Quantower for Topstep involves:

1. Downloading Quantower from the official website
2. Connecting to Topstep using the provided API credentials
3. Configuring your workspace with preferred layouts
4. Setting up advanced order types and risk management tools
5. Testing the connection before live trading

Common Platform Issues and Solutions

Even with proper setup, traders occasionally encounter platform issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

• Topstep login not working: Clear your browser cache, verify your credentials, and ensure your subscription is active
• Connection drops: Check your internet connection, restart the platform, and verify Topstep server status
• Order execution delays: Optimize your platform settings, reduce the number of open charts, and ensure you’re using a stable internet connection
• Chart data issues: Refresh your data feed, verify your market data subscriptions, and restart the platform

Risk management is the foundation of successful prop firm trading. Without proper risk management, even the best trading strategy will eventually fail. Our team at All Prop Funding has developed sophisticated risk management protocols that have helped thousands of traders pass their Topstep combines and maintain funded status.

The 1% Rule

The cornerstone of our risk management approach is the 1% rule: never risk more than 1% of your account balance on a single trade. For a $50K account, this means risking no more than $500 per trade. This conservative approach ensures you can withstand a string of losses without breaching the drawdown limits.

Position Sizing Calculations

Proper position sizing requires understanding the tick value of each instrument and calculating the appropriate number of contracts. For example:

• E-mini S&P 500 (ES): $50 per tick, $12.50 per point
• Nasdaq 100 (NQ): $20 per tick, $5 per point
• Dow Jones (YM): $5 per tick, $5 per point
• Gold (GC): $10 per tick, $100 per point
• Crude Oil (CL): $10 per tick, $10 per point

Understanding these values is crucial for proper position sizing. Many traders ask how many contracts can I trade on Topstep for gold—the answer depends on your account size, risk tolerance, and the distance to your stop loss.

Daily Risk Limits

In addition to per-trade risk limits, we implement daily risk limits to prevent catastrophic losses. Our traders stop trading for the day if they hit 50% of their daily loss limit. This discipline ensures they live to trade another day and avoid the emotional decision-making that often follows significant losses.

Correlation Risk

Trading multiple correlated instruments simultaneously can amplify risk. For example, going long on both ES and NQ exposes you to similar market risks. Our risk management protocols include correlation analysis to ensure proper diversification and risk distribution.

Volatility-Adjusted Position Sizing

Market volatility varies significantly across different sessions and instruments. Our traders adjust their position sizes based on current volatility levels, reducing exposure during high-volatility periods and increasing it during calm markets. This dynamic approach helps maintain consistent risk levels regardless of market conditions.

Drawdown Recovery Strategies

Even the best traders experience drawdowns. The key is having a plan for recovery. Our approach includes:

• Reducing position sizes during drawdowns to preserve capital
• Focusing on highest-probability setups only
• Taking breaks to reset emotionally and mentally
• Reviewing and adjusting the trading plan based on recent performance

Risk-Reward Ratios

We maintain minimum risk-reward ratios of 1:2 for all trades. This means for every dollar risked, we target at least two dollars in profit. This ratio ensures that even with a 50% win rate, the strategy remains profitable over time.

Trading psychology is often the differentiator between traders who pass the Topstep combine and those who fail. Technical analysis and risk management are essential, but without the right mental framework, even the best strategies will fail under pressure.

The Psychology of the Combine Phase

The combine phase creates unique psychological pressures. Traders feel the weight of the profit target, the fear of hitting drawdown limits, and the urgency to perform. These pressures can lead to poor decision-making, overtrading, and emotional trading.

Our approach to managing combine psychology includes:

• Treating the combine like any other trading account, not a make-or-break situation
• Focusing on process over outcomes—executing the plan correctly regardless of individual trade results
• Setting daily process goals (number of trades, risk per trade) rather than profit goals
• Taking regular breaks to maintain mental clarity

Dealing with Losses

Losses are an inevitable part of trading. The key is how you respond to them. Our traders follow these principles:

• Accept losses as the cost of doing business
• Never revenge trade—stick to the plan
• Review losing trades objectively to identify lessons
• Maintain perspective—one loss doesn’t define your trading career

Maintaining Consistency

The consistency rule in Topstep specifically targets psychological weaknesses. Traders who have one massive winning day often struggle to maintain that performance, leading to inconsistency. Our approach focuses on steady, sustainable performance rather than home runs.

The Role of Routine

Establishing a consistent trading routine helps reduce decision fatigue and emotional trading. Our traders follow structured daily routines that include:

• Pre-market analysis and planning
• Defined trading sessions with clear start and end times
• Post-market review and journaling
• Regular breaks and physical activity

Building Trading Confidence

Confidence in trading comes from preparation and experience. Our traders build confidence through:

• Extensive backtesting of their strategies
• Practice in simulated environments before going live
• Gradual position size increases as they prove consistency
• Regular review of their trading journal to track progress

Why Choose All Prop Funding?

With thousands of successful passes and a 94% success rate, All Prop Funding has established itself as a leader in the prop firm passing service industry. Our team combines years of trading experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver consistent results.

• 94% pass rate across all prop firm evaluations
• 24/7 customer support via Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Verified track record on Myfxbook
• Professional traders with 10+ years of experience
• Customized strategies for each client’s needs
• Fast turnaround times (typically 7-14 days)
• Money-back guarantee if we fail to pass your combine

All our pricing plans include a success guarantee—if we fail to pass your combine, you receive a free retry or a full refund. This guarantee reflects our confidence in our strategies and our commitment to client success.

For traders interested in ongoing account management after passing, we offer separate Funded Account Management Services with competitive profit-sharing arrangements. Contact us for custom quotes based on your account size and goals.

Our portfolio includes thousands of successful combine passes across multiple prop firms, with a particular focus on Topstep. We maintain a verified track record on Myfxbook, providing transparent evidence of our trading performance.

When choosing a prop firm, it’s important to understand how Topstep compares to competitors. Many traders search for Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep comparisons, and we’ve provided a comprehensive breakdown below.

While each prop firm has its strengths, Topstep stands out for its long track record, reliable payouts, and professional reputation. Our Prop firm services team specializes in Topstep because we believe it offers the best combination of opportunity and fairness for traders.

Why Topstep Remains the Industry Leader

Despite increasing competition, Topstep maintains its position as one of the top funded accounts in the industry. Key factors include:

• Over a decade of proven track record
• Transparent rules with no hidden surprises
• Fast, reliable payouts
• Professional customer support
• Multiple platform options
• Scaling opportunities for successful traders

Whether you’re comparing Apex vs Topstep or evaluating other options, our team can help you choose the right prop firm for your trading style and goals. We offer passing services for all major prop firms, not just Topstep.

At All Prop Funding, we’re confident in our ability to deliver results. That’s why we offer a comprehensive money-back guarantee for all our services.

Success Guarantee

If we fail to pass your Topstep combine within the agreed timeframe, you’re entitled to either a free retry or a full refund—your choice. This guarantee applies to all our passing service plans.

Refund Conditions

• Refund requests must be made within 7 days of service completion
• The combine must not have been passed (either by us or the client)
• All communication must be through official channels (Telegram, WhatsApp, email)
• Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days

Exceptions

Refunds are not available if the client breaches the combine rules independently, changes account credentials without notification, or violates the terms of service. We maintain detailed logs of all trading activity to ensure transparency.