Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing

Acceptance testing (sometimes called performance testing) occurs when a tested version of the application is tested by a number of users who have been trained in the correct use of the application. The users are expected to identify appropriate test data and enter it into the system themselves. The data used should be real data, and whatever processing the system is expected to perform in actual use should be tested, and the results carefully checked.

The performance of critical parts of the system (i.e. speed of operation, user response times, fault tolerance and the ability to handle the expected volume of data) is also examined. Once users have a reasonable degree of confidence in the system, the project can be signed off and the system rolled out. If the system is a large and complex one, it may be better to carry out acceptance testing and roll-out in a number of stages to minimise the operational impact on users and support staff.