The disclosure is directed to an access terminal, and method for selecting an access point in a communications system. The access terminal may include memory and a processor. The processor may be configured to maintain in the memory a database containing a list of access points that have previously served the access terminal with at least a minimum quality of service, the processor being further configured to use the list to search for an access point to associate with, or search for an access point to handoff the access terminal to during operation. In addition to, or alternatively, the processor may also be configured to maintain in the database a second list of access points. The database may be used by the processor to search for an access point that is not on the second list to associate with, or handoff the access terminal to.