A method and apparatus for voice path assurance (VPA) testing in a packet network such as an Internet Protocol (IP) network is provided. More specifically, the invention relates to a voice path assurance (VPA) testing technique that is initiated by the terminating side of a logical connection through an IP network. The technique of the present invention is used to verify connectivity and performance--during a call set-up procedure--between the terminating endpoint and the originating endpoint of the logical connection through the IP network.