Conformity tests

What are compliance tests?
Conformance testing is the evaluation of a product for compliance with a standard. Different types of compliance testing can help assess compliance with a wide variety of standards from many different industry organizations or agencies. Conformity tests are used to determine whether a product complies with the applicable standards and enable the manufacturer to advertise it as such and ensure product consistency.

Within this more general definition, there are very different types of conformance tests. One of these is for electrical products, where testers can look at electromagnetic wave handling, surge protection, or other types of functionality or safety that conform to a particular standard. Another type of compliance testing is for software that must produce results that meet industry standards.

Groups like the International Standards Organization (ISO) have defined conformance tests to some extent. Other industry groups, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), have looked at specific targets for compliance testing in their respective fields.

Conformity tests generally define a certain quality standard for products. Some other aspects of this type of test could examine supplier qualifications. Compliance tests can also test different configurations of a product for compliance with standards.