Acceptance testing
Definition
Formal testing conducted to enable a user, customer, or other authorised entity to determine whether to accept a system or component. Often known as user acceptance testing (UAT) Operational acceptance testing (OAT) or Customer acceptance testing (CAT). Acceptance tests are based upon business requirements.[Source: BCS+]
Comment
Acceptance testing allows the user, customer or other authorised entity to confirm that the system or component is ‘fit for purpose’. Where acceptance criteria are created in advance, acceptance testing confirms that the system meets these.A clear distinction can be drawn beteween acceptance of a system to go live and acceptance of a system as meeting the requirements specified. Work arounds can often be implemented that allow incomplete systems to become operational but this doesn't mean that further remedial work will not be required on the system.
