Developer Offshore guide
Write acceptance criteria an offshore developer can verify
Examples for turning product intent into observable behavior that survives a time-zone handoff.
Published August 17, 2026
Write acceptance criteria an offshore developer can verify
- Describe starting state and outcome.
- Include a negative case.
- Keep adjectives out of proof.
Describe behavior
Write what the user can do, what the system changes, and what the user sees next. “Make it robust” is a goal; a rejected request with a clear message is testable behavior.
Use examples that reflect the real role and data boundary.
Cover refusal and failure
Include an unauthorized case, an empty state, a timeout, or another failure that could change the implementation. These examples reveal hidden product decisions early.
Let the developer identify which cases need a product answer before coding.
Review against evidence
Accept the work when the examples are exercised by tests, fixtures, or a recorded manual check. Keep the owner of the acceptance decision visible.
Do not expand criteria during review without recording the scope change.
Questions about assessing Philippine developers
How many examples are enough?
Use the smallest set that covers the primary outcome, a meaningful negative case, and any boundary that changes risk.
Sources
- NIST Secure Software Development Framework: Used for verifiable outcomes.
International Labour Organization guidance on remote work arrangements reinforces why remote role briefs should document expectations, communication rhythms, and accountable handoffs.