---
name: run-acceptance-tests
description: Guide for running acceptance tests for a Terraform provider. Use this when asked to run an acceptance test or to run a test with the prefix `TestAcc`.
license: MPL-2.0
metadata:
copyright: Copyright IBM Corp. 2026
version: "0.0.1"
---
An acceptance test is a Go test function with the prefix `TestAcc`.
To run a focussed acceptance test named `TestAccFeatureHappyPath`:
1. Run `go test -run=TestAccFeatureHappyPath` with the following environment
variables:
- `TF_ACC=1`
Default to non-verbose test output.
1. The acceptance tests may require additional environment variables for
specific providers. If the test output indicates missing environment
variables, then suggest how to set up these environment variables securely.
To diagnose a failing acceptance test, use these options, in order. These
options are cumulative: each option includes all the options above it.
1. Run the test again. Use the `-count=1` option to ensure that `go test` does
not use a cached result.
1. Offer verbose `go test` output. Use the `-v` option.
1. Offer debug-level logging. Enable debug-level logging with the environment
variable `TF_LOG=debug`.
1. Offer to persist the acceptance test's Terraform workspace. Enable
persistance with the environment variable `TF_ACC_WORKING_DIR_PERSIST=1`.
A passing acceptance test may be a false negative. To "flip" a passing
acceptance test named `TestAccFeatureHappyPath`:
1. Edit the value of one of the TestCheckFuncs in one of the TestSteps in the
TestCase.
1. Run the acceptance test. Expect the test to fail.
1. If the test fails, then undo the edit and report a successful flip. Else,
keep the edit and report an unsuccessful flip.