'''Conformance testing''' — alsoan knownelement asof '''conformity assessment''', and also known as '''compliance testing''', or '''type testing''' — is [[Test method|testing]] or other activities that determine whether a process, product, or servicesservice complies with the requirements of a [[specification]], [[technical standard]], [[contract]], or [[regulation]].<ref name="TrenkaevInter03">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ta5rLb1CkkC&pg=PA226 |chapter=Interoperability Testing Based on a Fault Model for a System of Communicating FSMs |title=Testing of Communicating Systems: 15th IFIP International Conference, TestCom 2003 |author=Trenkaev, V.; Kim, M.; Seol, S. |editor=Hogrefe, D.; Wiles, A. |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |year=2003 |pages=226–242 |isbn=9783540401230}}</ref><ref name="WareTheNeed90">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2FQf_pCCUeUC&pg=PA14 |chapter=Chapter 2: The Need for Mutual Recognition of Test Laboratories |title=Test Quality for Construction, Materials and Structures: Proceedings of the International RILEM/ILAC Symposium |author=Ware, J.E. |editor=Fickelson, M. |publisher=CRC Press |year=1990 |pages=12–18 |isbn=9780412394508}}</ref><ref name="WerstiukRelay07">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HCMDxjJnnF8C&pg=PA13 |chapter=Chapter 2: Relay Testing Fundamentals |title=The Relay Testing Handbook: Relay Testing Fundamentals |author=Werstiuk, C. |publisher=Valence Electrical Training Services |year=2007 |pages=13–52 |isbn=9781934348017}}</ref><ref name="INCITSReport05">{{cite web |url=http://www.incits.org/tc_home/m1htm/docs/m1050067.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213213606/http://www.incits.org/tc_home/m1htm/docs/m1050067.pdf |format=PDF |title=Report on Issues for Harmonizing Conformity Assessment to Biometric Standards |author=M1 Ad-Hoc Group on Issues for Harmonizing Conformity Assessment to Biometric Standards |publisher=InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards |date=16 March 2005 |archivedate=13 December 2006 |accessdate=22 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="ISOWhatIs">{{cite web |url=https://www.iso.org/conformity-assessment.html |title=What is conformity assessment? |publisher=International Organization for Standardization |accessdate=22 February 2018}}</ref> Testing is often either [[event condition action|logical test]]ing or [[physical test]]ing. The test procedures may involve other criteria from [[test functions for optimization|mathematical testing]] or [[chemical test]]ing. Beyond simple conformance, other requirements for efficiency, interoperability or compliance may apply. Conformance testing is performed preferably by an [[accredited]] independent organizationsorganization, which maycan sometimes be the standardsauthor bodyof itselfthe standard (UL, toFM givefor soundexample). assuranceWhen oftesting compliance.is Productsaccompanied orby services[[Certification]], testedthe toproducts conformanceor services may then becomebe advertised as being certified byin the testing organization as complyingcompliance with the referred [[technical standard]]. EquipmentManufacturers manufacturers, equipmentand suppliers,andof serviceproducts providersand services rely on such qualifiedcertification dataincluding listing on the certification body's website, to ensureassure [[quality ofto service]]the (QoS)end throughuser thisand conformancethat processcompeting suppliers are on the same level.
Aside from the various types of testing, related conformance testing activities include:
