Abstract: An apparatus and method to test the internal functioning and operational limitations of a personal emergency response (PER) system. In the normal mode of operation of a PER system, a coded or uncoded activating signal transmitted by a portable help button activates elements of a subscriber unit in a subscriber station remote from a central station to transmit an alarm message to the central station. A subscriber unit according to the present invention includes a momentary action button, which when activated, places the subscriber unit in a test mode. While in the test mode, the subscriber unit will not transmit alarm messages to the external central station in response to a valid activating signal. The subscriber unit will, however, activate an annunciator to inform the subscriber of proper functioning of the portable help button in combination with certain elements of the subscriber unit.