blindside,

I used to fly for Cape Air about 2 years ago. I started there as an FO and after reaching ATP mins, they upgraded me to captain. That process involved about 3 or 4 training flights and then the ATP checkride. Back then, you just used one of the Cape Air 402s for the checkride and it was done right at HYA and they also paid the examiner fee. At the end of the ride, you got your ATP and were officially a captain. That's how it worked 2 years ago...I imagine it is the same, but I am sure somebody who is there now can better answer your question.