I define acceptance criteria as clear, testable conditions that stakeholders use to accept a work product. First, I use the term in two ways. In general, acceptance criteria state what a work product must satisfy for stakeholders to accept it. In agile development, I use the term to describe what a backlog item or user story must deliver for stakeholders to accept the implementation.
I write acceptance criteria in plain language. I keep them measurable. For example, I prefer numbers, percentages, time limits, or pass/fail statements. Moreover, I avoid vague words such as “fast” or “easy” without a measurable target. Therefore, I make criteria verifiable. As a result, testers and developers can check them quickly.
I relate acceptance criteria to functional and quality requirements. First, I treat functional requirements and quality requirements equally. Both can and should have acceptance criteria. Second, I use the term to add precision to broad quality goals. For example, a quality requirement might state “the system must be usable without training.” However, I make acceptance criteria that specify how to measure that claim. For example, 45 out of 50 randomly selected users must complete key tasks within target time. Thus, I translate abstract qualities into testable statements.
I distinguish acceptance criteria from a Definition of Done (DoD). The DoD covers team-wide rules for completed work. In contrast, I tailor the term to a specific backlog item or requirement. Also, I avoid copying a DoD blindly. Instead, I check which DoD parts apply to the item at hand. Consequently, I keep criteria relevant and actionable.
I follow practical rules when I create acceptance criteria. First, I make them specific. Second, I make them achievable within one iteration when used for a story. Third, I make them small enough to estimate. In addition, I ensure they support the INVEST model: Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable. For example, I only mark a story ready when developers can estimate it and when it fits the iteration.
I use simple formats. For example, I write “Given/When/Then” steps when tests need clear contexts. Alternatively, I write bullet points that list conditions and measurable targets. Furthermore, I include who accepts and when. For example, I state “Product owner accepts when all acceptance tests pass and documentation exists.”
I give concrete examples. For performance, I write: “Each transaction must complete in 2 seconds or less under normal load.”; For usability, I write: “90% of test users must complete onboarding tasks within five minutes.”; and For security, I write: “Only direct managers can view personnel records; audit logs record all access.”
Finally, I review acceptance criteria with stakeholders and developers. I update them when requirements change. In addition, I link them to tests and quality trees when applicable. In short, I use the term to make expectations explicit, measurable, and testable. Consequently, teams deliver work that stakeholders accept.
Meta description: I explain Acceptance criteria with clear meaning, purpose, and practical requirements engineering examples for daily project work.