User Acceptance Testing, or UAT, is like the final check before a new software goes live (or a new feature goes live). It’s when real people, the ones who’ll actually use it, test it out to make sure it works for them in everyday life. 

A good UAT test plan is what keeps everything on track, making sure the process is clear and successful. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of putting together a UAT test plan, from why it matters to how to get it done.

What Is User Acceptance Testing and Why Should You Care?

UAT is when the people who’ll use the software try it out in situations that feel real to them. It’s their chance to say, “Yep, this does what I need it to do.” Unlike earlier tests that catch bugs or check speed or security, UAT focuses on whether the software is useful and easy for the people who matter: the users.

Why does it matter? For one, it makes sure the software does what it’s supposed to do for the business. Plus, it’s a great time to test training materials and instructions, tweaking them based on what users say. Skip UAT, and you might end up with a system that sounds good but doesn’t work in real life.

What Are You Trying to Do with UAT?

Every UAT needs a clear purpose. Here are the main goals:

  • Make sure the software is ready to use for real. It should work smoothly and meet all the must-haves.
  • Check that it covers everything the business asked for. No missing pieces.
  • Find any problems that could annoy users, like things that are hard to use or don’t work right.

These goals keep everyone focused on building something people can actually use.

Putting Together a UAT Test Plan: The Basics

A UAT test plan is like a game plan. It tells everyone what to do and how to do it. Here’s what you need to include:

  1. What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Start by saying exactly what you’re testing. Maybe it’s a new feature, like creating invoices. Then say what you’re not testing, like speed or security, if those happen somewhere else. This keeps things clear and stops the plan from growing too big.

  1. When to Start and Stop

You need rules for starting and finishing. To start, maybe all the big problems need to be fixed, the test setup is ready, and the plan is reviewed by the team. To finish, you might say all major issues are solved, most tests pass (like 95%), and the key people give their sign-off. These rules keep things organized.

  1. Who Does What

Make sure everyone knows their job:

  • UAT Testers: Try out the software, execute test scripts, spot problems, raise bugs and share thoughts.
  • Test Team: Write the tests, set up data, and test environment.
  • Test Lead: Runs the show and updates everyone.
  • Dev Support: Sets up the system and fixes bugs.
An illustration representing software testing and test cases. The word "TEST CASE" is prominently displayed, with various testing-related elements integrated into the scene. A woman in a blue coat gestures toward the text, while a man in a yellow jacket sits on top of the letters using a laptop. Surrounding elements include a magnifying glass with a coding symbol, a light bulb with a brain inside, a quality gauge, a test tube, a 404 error message, and a warning sign, symbolizing different aspects of software testing, debugging, and quality assurance. The color scheme is primarily blue, yellow, and black.

Soruce: freepik.com

Writing Test Scripts That Make Sense

Test scripts are the core of UAT. Write them based on what users really do, like sending an invoice or booking time off. Then make a list that matches each test to a specific business need. This way, you’re sure everything the business asked for gets checked.

Getting Ready for User Acceptance Testing

Prep work is key. Set up a test environment that feels like the real application, with the same setup and steps. Then get test data ready that looks like what users will see. If you cut corners here, the tests won’t tell you much.

Running UAT Without Stress

When it’s time to test, have a clear plan: run the tests, write down what happens, and raise bugs for the issues discovered. For bugs, use a system to report them, keep track, and fix them. Tools like JIRA or TestRail can help make sure nothing gets lost and fixes happen before launch.

Tools to Keep Things Smooth

Some tools can make UAT easier:

  • Planning Tools: Apps like JIRA or TestRail help you organize tests and track how they’re going.
  • Team Tools: Things like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or email keep everyone talking and on the same page.

Writing It Down and Making It Better

Keep good notes. Write down your plan, tests, and what you find. It’s proof you did the work and helps later if someone asks questions. When it’s over, ask testers what went well or didn’t. Use their ideas to make the next round even better.

A Real-World Example 

Imagine a company rolling out a new ERP app to handle HR and budgets. In User Acceptance Testing, regular employees, managers, and finance users test it out to make sure it works for them. 

They focus on a few big pieces: submitting timesheets and getting them approved, requesting annual leave, splitting salaries across projects, and pulling financial reports like expenses and revenues. 

The plan says they’ll start once the system’s ready and tests are approved, with steps like “Submit a timesheet for the current month” or “Run a yearly budget report.” 

Testers use test data, like hours worked or leave dates, and report issues (maybe leave approvals don’t send) in a tool like JIRA. Dev team fixes bugs, and they wrap up when most tests pass. This UAT makes sure the ERP helps with their daily jobs, catching problems like timesheets not submitting, salary allocation going wrong, or messy financial data in reports

Wrapping It Up

A UAT test plan isn’t just busywork. It’s how you make sure your software actually helps people. Set up what you’re testing, make clear rules, give everyone a job, write tests that matter, and use tools and notes to stay on top of it. Do this, and you’ll spot problems early, keep users happy, and start strong. 

Ready to make your own UAT plan? Follow these steps, and you’re good to go!