Acceptance criteria define the conditions that must be met for a deliverable to be accepted. These criteria ensure that project outputs align with stakeholder expectations and predefined requirements. They provide a clear benchmark for project completion and quality assurance.
Key Aspects of Acceptance Criteria
- Objective and Measurable – Each criterion should be specific enough to be tested or verified.
- Agreed Upon by Stakeholders – Defined collaboratively to align expectations.
- Tied to Requirements – Directly linked to project requirements to confirm deliverables meet the intended purpose.
- Used for Validation – Help determine if work is complete and meets customer or business needs.
Examples of Acceptance Criteria
Software Development
- A login page must allow users to enter a valid email and password and receive an authentication response within two seconds.
- A dashboard must display real-time sales data with an accuracy of ±5%.
Construction Project
- The foundation must be completed within three weeks and pass an independent structural integrity test.
- All installed windows must meet energy efficiency standards and pass quality inspections.
Marketing Campaign
- A social media ad campaign must achieve at least a 5% engagement rate before being marked as successful.
- A new website launch must support at least 1,000 concurrent users without performance degradation.
Why Acceptance Criteria Matter
- Prevents Scope Creep – Ensures work aligns with the project scope, avoiding unnecessary changes.
- Enhances Communication – Provides clarity between project teams and stakeholders.
- Supports Testing & Validation – Serves as a reference for quality assurance and user acceptance testing (UAT).
See also: Deliverable, Requirement.