When to Plan for Acceptance Testing

Preparation of the Acceptance Test Plan should start as soon as possible after the development of a specification of business requirements to help clarify gaps in the proposed specification.  It then continues with project commencement and runs in parallel with system development.  The logistics of conducting Acceptance Tests may affect the system design and development process and have significant impact on the system requirements.

Because of their importance in any supplier contract, Acceptance Criteria should be considered during preparation of any Request for Tender or Quotation and in contract negotiations.  Include them with any other special requirements in the requirements documentation.