Which testing phase is typically conducted by end users at customer sites?

• A. Alpha test
• B. Beta test
• C. System test
• D. Unit test

Answer: (B)

Beta testing is the phase where real users try the product in their own environments, often at customer sites, to see how it performs in everyday use. This stage focuses on uncovering issues that only appear with real data, hardware, networks, and workflows, and it gathers feedback on usability and reliability before the product is released more widely. It typically comes after internal alpha testing and involves people outside the development team.

In contrast, unit testing checks individual components in a developer’s environment; system testing validates the fully integrated product in a controlled setting; alpha testing is done by internal staff at the vendor site.