TESTING vs COMMISSIONING | What is the Difference?

While both testing and commissioning are essential to ensuring building systems function correctly and efficiently, they serve different purposes within the construction process. Testing verifies individual components against specific criteria, while commissioning ensures that all systems work together effectively to meet the overall project goals.

Below we provide a high level overview of each to allow an understanding of the differences and, to help clear up the confusion when this question is asked.

🟩 When each is deployed

The below table notes when the different testing and commissioning stages are generally deployed / used on a project.

🔗 To read more about Roles and Responsibilities and who does what within the Commissioning Process, see our article | THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS | Explained

🟩 Overview of ‘Testing’

Testing refers to the process of evaluating a piece of equipment, system or component to ensure it meets specified performance criteria, and typically focuses on individual testing, equipment, components or systems, involving various methods such as pre-functional tests, functional tests, performance tests, and safety tests.

🟧 Objectives of ‘Testing’

• Validate that systems, equipment and components operate correctly under specified conditions and inline with approved testing procedures,
• Identify defects or non-conformities.

🟧 Scope of ‘Testing’

• Focuses primarily on specific systems, equipment and components,
• Involves detailed procedures for each test type (e.g., pressure testing, electrical testing, functional testing).
• Typically conducted after installation but before final acceptance and integration.

🟧 Methods of ‘Testing’

• Functional Testing: Ensures systems operate as intended.
• Performance Testing: Measures efficiency against benchmarks.
• Safety Testing: Verifies compliance with safety standards.

🟧 Documentation for ‘Testing’

The documentation required for the testing tasks and activities includes several essential components:

• Testing Plan: A detailed outline specifying the tests to be conducted, methodologies, and acceptance criteria,
• Pre-Functional Testing Reports: Documentation verifying that systems are installed correctly and ready for functional testing,
• Functional Testing Reports: Records of tests that confirm equipment, components and systems operate as intended under various conditions,
• Acceptance Testing Documentation: Evidence that systems meet the owner’s requirements and design specifications,
• Test Equipment Calibration Records: Documentation ensuring that all testing equipment is properly calibrated,
• Issue Logs: Records of any deficiencies identified during testing, along with resolutions and follow-up actions,

🟩 Overview of ‘Commissioning’

This is a comprehensive quality assurance process that verifies and documents that all systems and assemblies are designed, installed, and tested, enabling them to be operated, and maintained according to the owner’s project requirements [OPR].

Commissioning encompasses not just testing but also design reviews, construction observations, and operational training, the complete process.

🟧 Objectives of ‘Commissioning’

• Ensure that all systems work together effectively as intended.
• Confirm that the building operates efficiently and meets the OPR.
• Provide documentation and training for ongoing operations and maintenance.

🟧 Scope of ‘Commissioning’

• Encompasses the entire project lifecycle from design through occupancy and operations,
• Includes multiple phases: pre-design, design, construction, occupancy, and operations,
• Involves coordination among various stakeholders including owners, designers, contractors, and operators.

🟧 Method of ‘Commissioning’

The commissioning process is a systematic approach to ensure that a facility’s systems operate according to design intent. It involves several key phases:

• Planning: Develop a comprehensive commissioning plan outlining scope, objectives, and methodologies based on the Owner’s Project Requirements [OPR],
• Documentation: Prepare reports summarizing testing results, deficiencies, and recommendations for improvements,
• Training: Provide operational training for maintenance personnel to ensure effective facility management,
• Validation: Confirm that the equipment, systems and components operation as intended whilst integrated together.

🟧 Documentation for ‘Commissioning’

The documentation needed to fully deliver the commissioning process includes several key items such as:

• Commissioning Plan [Cx Plan]: This document outlines the organization, schedule, and resources necessary for the commissioning process.
• Owner’s Project Requirements [OPR]: It details the functional requirements and performance criteria that the project must meet. See here for more information.
• Basis of Design [BoD]: This document describes the design decisions made and how they align with the OPR.
• Construction Documents: These include specifications, drawings, and other contract documents relevant to the commissioning process.
• Systems Manual: Provides operational information regarding systems, assemblies, and components. If want to read more on this document click here.
• Training Documentation: Outlines the training requirements for operations and maintenance personnel.
• Commissioning Reports: Summarizes findings and outcomes from each phase of the commissioning process, here is our article focused on what these are and how to write them.

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