The invention describes a method and apparatus for audible error code detection and identification. The method and apparatus allow an operator, user, or customer to automatically identify an error condition within an electronic device, such as a workstation computer or network server. The apparatus is configured to output an error message without the need for paper or electronic copies of manufacturer error code lookup tables, except as contained within the apparatus itself, thus simplifying the error detection and identification process. Additionally, the method and apparatus allow an operator to select various output modes so that the apparatus may report either a representation of the generated error code or a representation of the corresponding error condition.