Difference Between System Test and Acceptance Test

In the world of software testing, understanding the different types of testing is essential. Two important types of testing are System Testing and Acceptance Testing. These tests occur during the later stages of the software development lifecycle and help ensure that the product is reliable, meets requirements, and is ready for release. Although they may seem similar, they serve different purposes and involve different stakeholders.

System Test

System Testing is a type of software testing that validates the complete and fully integrated software product. It checks whether the system as a whole functions correctly. Testers perform this testing based on the software requirements and specifications. The goal is to identify any functional or non-functional defects in the system before it is delivered to the client.

• Performed by the testing team
• Focuses on end-to-end system functionality
• Includes testing of user interfaces, APIs, databases, and more
• Ensures the software works as intended in all environments

Acceptance Test

Acceptance Testing is the final phase of software testing before the software goes live. It determines whether the software meets the business needs and is ready to be accepted by the end user or client. This test is often performed by the client or a representative of the client.

• Performed by the client or end user
• Validates the software against business requirements
• Ensures the software is ready for production use
• Focuses on user satisfaction and usability

System Test vs Acceptance Test

Aspect	System Test	Acceptance Test
Purpose	To verify the complete system functionality	To validate the system meets business requirements
Performed By	Software testing team	Client or end user
Focus	System performance and correctness	User needs and expectations
Environment	Test environment	Production-like or staging environment
Requirement Type	Technical and functional specifications	Business requirements
Timing	After integration testing	After system testing