A method is disclosed for classifying an input pattern into an associated class through use of a compound classifier. Data pertaining to preselected features present within the input pattern are extracted. A discriminant value for each of a plurality of classes is then determined via a first classification technique. This value reflects the relative likelihood that a class is the associated class. The class with the highest relative likelihood is selected. A confidence value is generated via a second classification technique. This confidence value is reflective of the a posteriori probability that the selected class is the associated class. The selected class is rejected if the determined confidence value is below a predetermined threshold value.