Conformance testing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:08, 7 August 2020

Revision as of 03:55, 8 August 2020

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{{short description|Type of testing for standards, contracts and regulations}}

'''Conformance testing''' — an element of '''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 service complies with the requirements of a [[specification]], [[technical standard]], [[contract]], or [[regulation]].<ref name="TrenkaevInter03">{{cite book |chapter-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 |author1=Trenkaev, V. |author2=Kim, M. |author3=Seol, S. |editor1=Hogrefe, D. |editor2=Wiles, A. |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |year=2003 |pages=226–242 |isbn=9783540401230}}</ref><ref name="WareTheNeed90">{{cite book |chapter-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 |chapter-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 |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 ismay performedbe undertaken by the producer of the product or service being assessed, by a user, or by an [[accredited]] independent organization, which can sometimes be the author of the standard being used. When testing is accompanied by [[Certificationcertification]], the products or services may then be [[Advertising|advertised]] as being certified in compliance with the referred [[technical standard]]. Manufacturers and suppliers of products and services rely on such certification including listing on the certification body's website, to assure quality to the end user and that competing suppliers are on the same level.

Aside from the various types of testing, related conformance testing activities include:

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* [[Certification]]

* [[Accreditation]].

==Forms of conformance testing==

The [[UK government]] identifies three forms of testing or assessment:<ref>[[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]], [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/592063/conformity-assessment-accreditation-uk-policy.pdf Conformity Assessment and Accreditation Policy in the UK], published February 2017, accessed 8 August 2020</ref>

*1st party assessment (self assessment)

*2nd party assessment (assessment by a purchaser or user of a product or service)

*3rd party assessment (undertaken by an independent organisation).

== Typical areas of application ==

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== See also ==

* [[Governance, risk management, and compliance]]

* [[Standards organizations]]