Provided are a method and an apparatus for confirming the validity of a candidate cooperative device list for client cooperation in a wireless communication system. A base station searches for at least one candidate cooperation device for a source device, then an effective period timer, for an effective time command list for a list of candidate cooperation devices for a source device, is initiated, and a determination is made as to whether the list of candidate cooperation devices is valid. The base station and the source device are connected through a first system, and the base station and one recommended candidate cooperation device selected from the list of candidate cooperation devices are connected through a second system.