types of uat testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the final phase of the software testing process where actual users test the software to ensure it behaves as expected in real-world scenarios. It ensures that the solution works for the user and meets their requirements. Here are the different types of UAT:
Alpha & Beta Testing:
- Alpha Testing: Conducted by internal teams after the formal testing phase but before it’s released to external testers. Typically, this takes place at the software development site.
- Beta Testing: Conducted by a select group of external users before the official release of the product to the public. Feedback from this stage is used to make the final adjustments before release.
Contract Acceptance Testing:
- This type of UAT is performed to confirm that the developed software meets certain criteria and specifications which are agreed upon in a contract.
Regulation Acceptance Testing:
- This is performed when the software application needs to adhere to regulatory standards set by governing bodies or industry standards. It ensures that the software complies with the regulations before it’s released.
Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT):
- Also known as Production Acceptance Testing, OAT is done to ensure that workflows in the software can successfully support daily operations in a production environment. It focuses on operational readiness of the application, system health checks, and recovery from failures.
Black Box Testing:
- Users test the functionality of the software without any knowledge of the internal workings or the code behind it. They focus purely on inputs and expected outcomes.
End-to-End Testing:
- As the name suggests, this UAT evaluates the software’s flow of an application and ensures the entire process of user activities works smoothly. It tests the software for dependencies, data integrity, and communication with other systems, databases, and interfaces.
Usability Testing:
- This is focused on the user-friendliness of the software. It assesses the software from the user’s perspective to ensure it’s intuitive and easy to use.
Scenario Testing:
- Based on real-life scenarios, users are given specific tasks to accomplish using the software. This helps in understanding if the software behaves as expected in real-world use-cases.
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT):
- This type of testing is typically done for products that are developed at one location but are used at another. The product is tested at the development site (or factory) to ensure it meets certain criteria before it’s shipped to the user’s location.
Site Acceptance Testing (SAT):
- After FAT, when the product is installed at the user’s site, it undergoes SAT. This ensures that the product works effectively in the intended environment.
When planning for UAT, it’s important to consider the type of software, its users, and the specific contexts in which it will be used, so the right types of UAT can be chosen and effectively executed.
types of uat testing