Specification by Example Training: From User Stories to Acceptance Tests

with Gojko Adzic

Specification by Example Training

Course Description

Unlock the cornerstone strategy for successful testing and requirements management in Agile and Lean processes such as Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Kanban. In this two-day workshop led by Gojko Adzic, you will learn how to utilize Specification by Example to bridge the communication gap between stakeholders and implementation teams. Build quality into your software from the start and design, develop, and deliver systems that are perfectly fit for purpose.

Course Objectives

In this interactive workshop led by Gojko Adzic, participants will learn fundamental and advanced techniques to effectively integrate Specification by Example into their development processes. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Extend Specifications with Examples: Learn how to enhance specifications with precise examples to create a single source of truth for testing and development. Avoid Functional Gaps and Inconsistencies: Understand how to refine specification and testing processes to prevent inconsistencies and gaps.
Facilitate Specification Workshops: Gain skills in conducting specification workshops to promote effective collaboration among all stakeholders.
Develop Best Practices for Agile Teams: Acquire knowledge on the best practices for designing specifications with examples and acceptance tests, tailored specifically for agile teams.
Create a Living Documentation System: Learn to establish a living documentation system that facilitates changes and improves the development process over the long term.
Recognize Applications in Diverse Contexts: Gain insights into how different teams—from small web startups to large, distributed teams in investment banks—apply Specification by Example in their environments.

Dates

03-04

December 2026

Early Bird

Vienna
03 – 04 December 2026
09:00 – 17:00 CET

Price
EUR 1400
Price excl VAT.

Early Bird Price
EUR 1300

until 3 November 2026

Recommended by our participants on Trustpilot!

4,4

Our Course includes

User Stories Book: "Fifty Quick Ideas to Improve Your User Stories", another practical guide by Gojko Adzic to refine your user story skills.
Exclusive Mailing List: Direct access to a mailing list for ongoing questions and guidance from Gojko Adzic after the workshop.
Curated Recommendations: A selection of recommended readings, articles, and presentations curated by Gojko to further your learning.
Printed Handouts: Detailed handouts of the workshop content for easy reference and review.
Full-Day Catering: Enjoy beverages, snacks, and a catered lunch throughout the day to enhance your learning experience.

Key Learnings

What are the Key Questions?

How to Utilize Examples to Drive Specifications?

How to Bridge Communication Gaps in Specifications?

How to Build and Sustain a Living Documentation System?

Target Audience

Who is this course suitable for?

The workshop content is based on Gojko Adzic’s authoritative books, „Specification by Example“ and „Bridging the Communication Gap.“ Ideal participants include:

Testers

Gain insights on how to effectively use examples to drive development and ensure comprehensive test coverage that aligns with user expectations and business needs.

Business Analysts

Learn techniques to articulate clear and actionable specifications that bridge the gap between business objectives and technical execution.

Developers

Understand how to collaborate closely with testers and business analysts to implement specifications that lead to the development of software truly fit for purpose.

Secure your course place now!

This workshop is specifically designed for professionals who are integral to the software development and testing process, and who wish to enhance their skills in Specification by Example and effective communication within agile teams.

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Course Outline

Specification by Example Training:
Modules and Key Topics

Extending Specifications with Examples:

Learn the techniques to expand your specifications using examples, creating a reliable foundation for testing and development that all team members can trust.

Preventing Functional Gaps:

Discover methods to identify and eliminate gaps and inconsistencies in specifications and tests, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.

Facilitating Specification Workshops:

Master the art of conducting specification workshops that foster effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

Best Practices for Agile Teams:

Explore best practices for designing specifications with examples and acceptance tests tailored to the needs of agile teams, enhancing clarity and efficiency.

Creating a Living Documentation System:

Learn how to establish and maintain a living documentation system that supports continuous change and improvement, ensuring that your processes remain effective and adaptable over time.

Real-World Applications:

Gain insights into how diverse teams, from nimble web startups to expansive teams in large investment banks, successfully implement Specification by Example in their various contexts.

Trainer

Gojko Adzic

Gojko Adzic is a strategic software delivery consultant who works with ambitious teams to improve the quality of their software products and processes. He specialises in agile and lean quality improvement, in particular agile testing, specification by example and behaviour driven development.

Gojko’s book Specification by Example was awarded the #2 spot on the top 100 agile books for 2012 and won the Jolt Award for the best book of 2012. In 2011, he was voted by peers as the most influential agile testing professional, and his blog won the UK agile award for the best online publication in 2010.

SECURE YOUR COURSE PLACE NOW.

Our courses have a limited number of participants.

There is the possibility of a multi-booking discount for bookings of 2 or more people. If required, please indicate this on the registration form.

Vienna
09:00 – 17:00 CET
03 – 04 Dec 2026

Price
EUR 1400
Price excl VAT.

Early Bird Price
EUR 1300
until 3 November 2026

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FAQ

What is "Specification by Example" and what are its benefits for product development?

„Specification by Example“ is a method that defines requirements through concrete, verifiable examples. Instead of using abstract specifications, the team works with realistic scenarios that illustrate exactly how the system should behave in specific situations. These examples are developed collaboratively by domain experts and the development team, serving as a foundation for creating user stories and acceptance tests.

Benefits for product development:

Reduces misunderstandings: By defining requirements with concrete examples, all parties involved – from developers to domain experts – share a clear, consistent understanding of what is needed.

Improves quality: The examples provide a basis for acceptance tests, which ensure that the developed feature meets the requirements. This integrates quality assurance directly into the development process.

Encourages collaboration: Specification by Example brings the team and stakeholders together to discuss and refine requirements collaboratively. This strengthens teamwork and ensures everyone is working toward the same goal.

Creates living documentation: The examples serve not only as specifications but also as living documentation that the team can refer to and update as needed for future modifications.

In summary: Specification by Example establishes a clear, verifiable foundation for development, reduces misunderstandings, and improves quality by defining requirements through realistic examples.

What is the difference between User Stories and Acceptance Tests, and how are they related?

User Stories are concise descriptions of a requirement from the user’s perspective, typically structured as “As a [role], I want [feature] so that [benefit].” They help the team understand what the user needs and why it’s valuable, providing a high-level view of the feature or functionality.

Acceptance Tests, on the other hand, define the specific criteria that need to be met for a User Story to be considered complete and successful. They are detailed, testable conditions that verify whether the feature works as expected. Acceptance Tests confirm that the functionality aligns with the user’s needs and meets the intended quality standards.

How they are related: User Stories and Acceptance Tests work hand-in-hand in agile development. While User Stories define what the feature is and why it matters, Acceptance Tests provide clear, objective criteria to confirm how the feature should function. Together, they ensure that the team and stakeholders share a common understanding of the requirements and quality expectations for each feature.

Are there any discounts available for the Product Owner Key Skills course?

Yes, we offer several discounts to make the course more accessible to everyone:

Group Discount: When booking for 2 people or more, each participant receives a 10% discount on the regular price. For larger groups, the discount increases—for example, 15% off for groups of 4 and 20% off for groups of 6 or more.

Students and Non-Profits: Students and non-profit organizations are eligible for a 25% discount on the regular course price.

Self-Paying Individuals: Participants who are paying for the course themselves, rather than through an employer or funding institution, also receive a 20% discount.

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Specification by Example Training: From User Stories to Acceptance Tests