18 January 2021

Difference between quality assurance and quality control

Quality assurance and Quality control are basic two terms that are often used interchangeably. The main difference between these two is, Quality assurance is activities and responsibilities cover virtually all of the quality system in one fashion or another, while quality control is a subset of the QA activities. This page will explain the difference between Quality assurance ad quality control to better understand this topic.

Definition of Quality Assurance:

Quality assurance refers to the process used to create the deliverables and can be performed by a manager, client, or even third-party reviewer. process checklist, project audits, and the methodology and standard development.

Definition of Quality Control:

Quality control is referred to as quality-related activities associated with the creation of some of the project's deliverables. Quality control is used to ensure that deliverables are of reasonable quality and are complete and accurate. Deliverables peer review, inspection are the example of quality control.

Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control:

  • Quality assurance is a process that deliberates on the assurance that quality requests will be achieved, while quality control is a process that deliberates on fulfilling the quality request.
  • A Quality assurance aim is to prevent the defect, A quality control aim is to identify and improve the defects.
  • Quality assurance is the technique of managing quality, while Quality control is a method to verify the quality of the corrective tool.
  • Quality assurance does not involve executing the program, while Quality control always involves executing the program.
  • Quality assurance makes sure that you are doing the right things to happen. Quality control makes sure that the results of what you have done are also what you expected.
  • All team members are responsible for Quality Assurance, while the testing team is responsible for quality control.
  • Quality Assurance means planning for doing a process, while Quality control means action for executing the planned process.
  • QA is the process to create the deliverables, QC is the process to verify that deliverable. 
  • Verification is an example of Quality assurance, Validation is an example of Quality control.
  • Quality Assurance is process-oriented techniques, while Quality control is product oriented.
  • Statistical techniques used on QA is known as statistical process control, statistical techniques used on QC is known as statistical quality control.
  • Quality assurance is responsible for the full software development life cycle, while quality control is responsible for the software testing life cycle.
  • Quality assurance defines standards and methodologies to follow in order to meet the customer requirement,  quality control ensures that the standard is followed while working on the product.