Definition[]
Conformance assessment is
| “ | [t]he process through which the relation between a specification and a real implementation is determined. Conformance assessment is the determination of the relationships either by testing (conformance) or by specification checking (compliance, refinement verification, consistency checking and internal consistency checking).[1] | ” |
Overview[]
"Conformance of a real implementation is not always assessed against the "lowest level" (i.e. implementation) specification in a [product]]'s development process. It is possible for a "higher level" specification to be used (for example, the one whose refinement resulted in the implementation specification)."[2]