Pro Tips

Mar 29, 2025

What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)? A Beginner’s Guide

User Acceptance Testing (UAT), sometimes known as Quality Assurance Testing (QA) or Auditing, is the final stage of software testing to validate whether software builds meets a user’s needs, business requirements or acceptance criteria outlined by stakeholders before the software launches. UAT is critically important in software development and quality assurance processes.

This guide is meant for beginners looking to understand and implement effective UAT practices.

Understanding Different Types of Software Testing

UAT is different from other types of software testing and QA. Here’s a comparison for context:

Functional Testing

Ensures the software works according to requirements and specifications.

Unit Testing

Testing small individual components (units)

Integration Testing

Testing multiple combined units to ensure interoperability

System Testing

Comprehensive testing of the entire integrated system

User Acceptance Testing UAT

Validating the product with end-users to ensure it meets business needs or requirements



Non-Functional Testing

Evaluates aspects beyond functional correctness, such as performance, usability, and security.

Performance Testing

Evaluates speed, responsiveness, and stability under workload

Usability Testing

Checks how user-friendly and intuitive the software is

Security Testing

Identifies vulnerabilities and protects against threats

Compatibility Testing

Ensures software operates consistently across different browsers, OS, devices, and networks.



Regression Testing

Ensures recent code changes have not adversely affected existing functionalities.

Why User Acceptance Testing Matters

UAT helps avoid costly post-launch issues by ensuring software truly meets user expectations and operational needs. A notable example occurred in the mid-2010s, when a compliance bug in Western Union’s digital product led to shutting down operations in Spain for six weeks, costing millions in lost revenue. Proper UAT would have prevented this costly error.

UAT also enhances user satisfaction, adoption rates, and regulatory compliance.

Ideal Timing for UAT

Perform UAT after completing system and integration tests but before deploying to production. It's also prudent to include post-production environments in testing to eliminate differences between staging and production.

Who Should Perform UAT?

UAT involves:

  • End-users: primary testers, usually from business teams (compliance, legal, operations, marketing, finance).

  • Business analysts and product owners: provide oversight and criteria.

  • QA team: offer technical and procedural support.

UAT Step-by-Step Checklist

Follow these clear, actionable steps to streamline your UAT process:

  1. ✅ Planning and Preparation (1 day to multiple weeks)

    • Define acceptance criteria and test scenarios.

    • Train and set up testers, ensuring clear communication.

  2. ✅ Test Case Creation (Hours to days)

    • Create realistic, clearly articulated test cases.

  3. ✅ Executing UAT (1 day to multiple weeks)

    • Perform testing and document outcomes, noting any discrepancies.

  4. ✅ Documenting and Reporting (Hours to days)

    • Maintain detailed yet straightforward documentation of results and issues.

  5. ✅ Reviewing and Resolving Issues (Hours to weeks)

    • Development teams fix issues; re-testing continues until acceptance criteria are met.

  6. ✅ Final Approval (Hours to days)

    • Stakeholders provide formal sign-off to proceed to production.

Overcoming Common UAT Challenges

Here are common pitfalls and best practices to overcome them:

  • Unclear Acceptance Criteria: Clearly define and document all criteria in advance.

  • Limited User Involvement: Actively engage real users throughout the process, and frequently update stakeholders.

  • Poor Documentation: Use simple, standardized templates (e.g., Notion, Google Sheets) to enhance clarity and communication.

Tools to Simplify UAT

Choose between traditional and modern tools:

Legacy Tools:

  • Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets)

  • Task management software (Jira, Trello, Zephyr)

Automated UAT Platforms:

  • Quellit.ai: Automates your UAT workflow, saving time and increasing accuracy.

Take Your UAT to the Next Level with Quell

Effective UAT ensures software quality, boosts compliance, and enhances user satisfaction. Ready to simplify and automate your UAT?

Sign up today for a free UAT session with Quellit.ai and experience seamless, streamlined testing.

‹ The User Acceptance Test That Never Caught It (But Our Customer Did)