Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting containers including a plurality of container inspection devices disposed along an inspection path directs a plurality of test containers having known characteristics through the inspection path so that the test containers can be inspected at each of the container inspection devices to obtain information indicative of the characteristics found in the test containers, and correlates that information with the known characteristics in the containers. The apparatus preferably includes a test container conveyor loop connected at one end to the inspection path upstream of the inspection devices, and at its other end to the conveyor path downstream of the inspection devices. A controller preferably automates a test cycle to provide test containers in the inspection path, receive from the inspection devices information relating to characteristics detected in the test containers, and return the test containers from the inspection path to the test container conveyor loop.