Acceptance testing is one of the activities performed just before the software is put into production. Thanks to them, we reduce the risk of serious errors. What are acceptance tests?

• Acceptance tests – UAT tests, i.e. User Acceptance Tests.
• Acceptance testing verifies that the software meets all assumptions and works for the user. The tester plays the role of the recipient of the product.
• Acceptance tests also include the verification of compliance with business requirements and legislative compliance.

Acceptance tests – what are they and how do they work?

It is worth paying special attention to the software acceptance testing. In this case, automatic testing includes the verification of the system in terms of meeting the customer expectations. UAT tests, or User Acceptance Tests, are usually performed before a new solution is introduced to the market.

It is responsible for verifying that an application, website or other software is user-friendly.

This will help us minimise the risk of serious errors at the production stage and avoid additional maintenance costs. The most important issue, however, is the possibility of validating the page or application layout, as well as the system behaviour. Acceptance tests will provide us with an answer to the question whether the software works as previously assumed. It covers the entire system and the process should be properly documented.

What do the acceptance tests apply to?

UAT tests are responsible for checking the software from the perspective of a potential user. Thanks to them, we can receive an answer to the question whether the software will meet the expectations of the recipient and will be of use.

Production acceptance tests verify how the system works in the case of a failure. The tests check the process of creating backups and their functioning after opening. They also cover the issues of data storage, data migration and resistance to possible external attacks.

It is worth paying particular attention to acceptance tests of compliance with the contract and legislative compliance. The first ones concern the compliance of the commissioned software with the arrangements contained in the contract. All business requirements and expectations of the client should be clearly defined before starting work on the system. Then the independent testers and even the users verify that the software meets all assumptions. Legislative compliance tests take into account whether the developed software complies with the criteria set out in laws, regulations and safety standards.

What is included in the acceptance testing documentation?

It should be remembered that the performed acceptance tests should be properly monitored and reported.

The basis of the test documentation is the test plan. It includes, among others: goals, strategies, test description and test project management.

Each of these parts is divided into smaller parts. Thanks to this, we get a full picture of the implemented activities. It is worth noting that the acceptance or other test plan can also be created according to a different template.

This document answers the most important questions about who is responsible for the activities, when and what tests will be performed, what they include. Undoubtedly, appropriate documentation will facilitate communication between testers and the client, as well as facilitate the control of the entire process.