A method and apparatus for selecting a communication system in a multi-mode subscriber station. In the exemplary embodiment, the subscriber station capable of operating in both CDMA and analog modes comprises a analog modulation and demodulation and processing element and a CDMA modulation and demodulation and processing element and a system determination element. System determination element examines exit parameters provided by the communication element exited and determines the next system upon which to attempt acquisition in accordance with a system preferences table, a CDMA channel table and a non-volatile memory element.