Acceptance criteria are the observable conditions a deliverable must satisfy before a buyer formally accepts it. They convert requirements into testable outcomes and help determine whether work is complete, requires correction or can support a milestone payment.
What makes acceptance criteria useful?
- Specific result or condition being tested
- Measurement method, tolerance and evidence
- Person authorized to review and accept
- Review period and response procedure
- Treatment of defects, partial acceptance and retesting
How are they used?
The parties define criteria before delivery, usually in a specification, purchase order or statement of work. The supplier submits the deliverable and evidence, the buyer performs the agreed review, and the result is recorded as accepted, rejected or conditionally accepted.
Acceptance criteria vs. specifications
A specification describes what must be supplied. Acceptance criteria state how the buyer will determine whether the supplied result meets the requirement. A specification can be detailed yet still produce disputes if the acceptance method is unclear.
What should the record show?
Keep the approved criteria, submitted version, test evidence, reviewer, decision date, exceptions and corrective action. Silence should count as acceptance only when the contract clearly says so.
