UAT vs QA: What’s the difference?

 

Both User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Quality Assurance (QA) play a pivotal role in the software testing process. UAT is focused on factors such as user experience and usability, whereas QA is solely focused on improving the overall quality of the product. 

In order to optimize the performance of the software product or application, both these testing methods have an important role to play. In this article, you will get to know what are the differences between QA and UAT.

What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?

It is a testing method where an end-user is given the responsibility to test the product in a real-time environment. The user will be provided with the right testing resources by the assigned team and will have to do proper testing of the product, and thus evaluate its overall quality. Post testing, user feedback is obtained, which in turn serves as a guide to further improve the quality of the product if need be required.

Based on the user feedback, further modifications or alterations can be done to the product. UAT is performed at the final stage of the software development process, just before the product is going to be released. 

This testing method ensures that a product is built according to the user and business specifications and can effectively perform real-world tasks. Beta testing is one of the important types of user acceptance testing. UAT is also known as ‘End-user testing.’

 

What is Quality Assurance (QA)?

QA is a specific methodical process that makes sure that the testing is carried out keeping the quality parameters, standards and guidelines in perspective. This in turn means that the software product or application that is being built conforms to the stated quality objectives. 

To improve the quality, Quality Control (QC) process is applied. QC makes sure that the unnecessary waste processes in the SDLC are eliminated, which will in turn help in improving the quality of the product.

QA process ensures that a product is built according to the quality specifications both from a business and technical perspective. A proper quality audit is carried out to optimize the quality of testing activities. 

Continuous improvement is focused upon, which means the product should be continuously tested till it meets the quality requirements. Focused feedback on quality is also taken from key members involved in developing the product so that the necessary decisions can be made in order to scale up the product’s worth.

Difference between UAT and QA:

User Acceptance Testing	Quality Assurance
It is conducted at the last phase of the software  development  process, just before the product is being launched	It is conducted throughout all the phases of the software development process
Users test the functionality, performance  and usability of the product	Defects and errors are removed throughout the process
It is performed in a real-time environment	It is performed in a lab environment
It is focused on testing the product’s usability	It is focused on testing the product’s quality
UAT testers must understand the scope of the project	QA testers need not understand the scope of the project
End-users/customers/stakeholders will carry out this testing method	Developers, quality engineers and testers will carry out this testing method
The focal point is to check whether the product meets minimum acceptance criteria or not.	The focal point is to develop and deliver a high-quality product according to the stated quality standards.

 

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing QA testing or UAT or both for your specific project then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you with feasible testing strategies and solutions that are precisely in line with 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.