In Project Management, Verification and Validation is one concept where many get confused, not because its a very difficult concept, but due to lack of clarity. We often see people using these two terms interchangeably. But these two are very different activities, though they look similar. Ok.. lets break them down.
PMI Definitions of Verification and Validation
Verification: The evaluation of whether or not a product, service, or system complies with a regulation, requirement, specification, or imposed condition. It is often an internal process.
Validation: The assurance that a product, service, or system meets the needs of the customer and other identified stakeholders. It often involves acceptance and suitability with external customers.
Verification vs Validation
What is Verification?
- Verification is checking whether the product is built according to specifications given, and meets all the quality requirements.
- Its an internal process, Quality control department checks the product.
- Done as part of Quality control. (PMBOK – Control Quality process)
What is Validation?
- Validation is checking whether the product built is acceptable to the customers or not, i.e… checking whether product meets the customer needs or not.
- It is an external process. Customer checks the product before accepting.
- Done as part of scope validation. (PMBOK – Validate scope process)
Similarities between Verfication and Validation
Both are activities that involve checking the deliverables.
Differences between Verification and Validation
