A method and apparatus for testing a blowout preventer (BOP) wherein a
pressurization unit applies fluid to an isolated portion of the
throughbore of the BOP. A signal that is representative of the actual
pressure in the isolated portion of the throughbore over successive time
points and a pre-determined non-deterministic finite state automaton are
used to predict the pressure in the isolated portion of the throughbore
as a function of time relative to a pre-determined acceptable leak rate
and the time at which stability is achieved. In one embodiment stability
is achieved when successive predicted pressures are within a
predetermined difference over a predetermined interval of time. Visual
indications are provided to depict the progress of testing.