Abstract: An out-loop power control model for the cdma2000 reverse link is established, and the relationship between the inner-loop and the out-loop is revealed. As a result, a simple estimation method for Frame Error Rate (FER) is proposed and its performance is analyzed. Based on the model, an optimization algorithm for the out-loop power control is proposed which aims to jointly reduce the transmit power and FER variation. It can guarantee target FER while keeps transmit power at, the minimum level, resulting an optimal system performance. The algorithm allows the weighting factors to be adjusted to satisfy different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, hence provides great flexibility. Finally, computer simulation is performed to show that, the model is appropriate and the optimization algorithm is effective and correct.