Most if not all prop groups in Chicago put traders on simulator. yeah its not 100% the same but it does see how well that recruit can trade. How he holds his position manages his account etc..
From what I see you can trade however you want outright spreads etc.. if your method is...
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If you want to be a trader or have a firm back your trading methodology your past credentials don't mean jack. I think that is fairly obvious. Also if your historical performance was so great way are you not trading still for a firm or for your own account?
The simulator is what...