Techniques for performing WLAN system scanning and selection are described. A terminal performs multiple iterations of scan to detect for WLAN systems. A scan list containing at least one WLAN system to detect for is initially determined. For each scan iteration, a scan type may be selected from among the supported scan types. The selected scan type may indicate passive scan or active scan, frequency channels to scan, etc. A scan may be performed based on the selected scan type. Signal strength measurements are obtained for access points received during the scan and used to identify detected access points. After all scan iterations are completed, candidates access points are identified based on the scan results, e.g., based on the signal strength measurements for the detected access points and a detection threshold. The best candidate access point may be selected for association by the terminal.