UAT Testing Types Explained

Bethany Wilson
3 min readSep 28, 2021

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The types of user acceptance testing bring more value to the testing process as only a specific UAT testing type or types can be utilized and implemented to solve certain important issues pertaining to user acceptance testing. Depending upon the scope of the software development project, the testing and development team along with other key professionals involved in the testing process can select the right type of user acceptance testing for solving specific business related issues in line with the specific software product. In this article, you will get to know about the different types of user acceptance testing.

What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT testing)?

It is a testing method that is performed by the end-user/customer to verify and test the software application and then provide their acceptance so that it can be moved on to the production environment. It is conducted after functional, integration and system testing has been successfully conducted.

The end business flow is validated through the user acceptance testing method. End-users perform the validation as they are familiar with the business requirements. This testing method is also performed to ensure that the software application supports user scenarios and is in sync with the business usage.

Following are the six types of UAT Testing:

1. Alpha testing: This testing type is conducted in a development environment by the internal staff. Alpha tests can be conducted by potential user groups, but the criteria is that the testing should be conducted in a development or lab environment. Once the alpha testers provide the feedback, development teams can fix issues based on the feedback provided and thus improve the usability of the product.

2. Beta testing: In this testing type, real users known as beta testers are involved to carry out the testing activity. This testing type is conducted in a real-time environment. Generally, the beta version of the software is provided to the beta testers (real users), who will test it in a real-time environment and then provide their valuable feedback about the overall quality, functionality and performance of the product. Through proper conduction of beta testing, the failures and risks associated with a software product are greatly reduced.

3. Operational acceptance testing: In this testing type, necessary steps are taken to ensure that the workflows are in place, which will, in turn, allow the system or software to be used. Workflows for security checks, various maintenance processes, user training and backup plans are included. Also, the product’s stability, reliability, compatibility etc., are determined in this testing type. It is also known as “Production Acceptance Testing” or “Operational Readiness Testing.”

4. Contract acceptance testing: The testing of a developed software is carried out against certain specifications and criteria that is predefined in a contract. The specifications and relevant criteria are defined by the project team.

5. Regulation acceptance testing: In this testing type, the software is examined in order to know whether it complies with the regulations or not. This also includes legal and governmental regulations. There should be no violation as such.

6. Business acceptance testing: In this testing type, the system is checked in order to ascertain whether it satisfies the business specifications and requirements. The aim of this testing is to understand whether a product can achieve sizeable revenue, by taking into consideration diff. technologies and market strategies.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing UAT testing for your specific software development project then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you a strategic testing roadmap that can perfectly fit in your project specific requirements.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.

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Bethany Wilson

Hi, this is Bethany. I’m working as Senior Software QA Tester with TestingXperts.