Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
Acceptance testing performed by intended users to determine whether a system satisfies their needs and is ready for operational use.
In simple words
Real users try the software and decide if it’s good enough to ship.
Exam tip
UAT is a form of acceptance testing focused on business users.
Related terms
- Acceptance TestingThe ‘go / no-go’ testing that confirms the system meets business needs and is ready to be released to real users.
- Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT)Ops team checks that the system is deployable, monitorable and recoverable.
- Contract Acceptance TestingVerify the system meets what the signed contract promises.
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