The basic concepts in the field of software quality testing and evaluation are defined. In particular, the concepts of verification, validation and software lifecycle and their role in the testing process are considered. The concept of an artifact in the software lifecycle is considered. The Russian and international standards in the field of software quality assessment are taken into account. The existing methods of software verification are regarded: expertise, static analysis, formal methods, dynamic and synthetic methods.An overview of software quality assessment methods used in software development and testing cycles is presented. Functional and administrative factors affecting software quality are also considered. The article lists modern testing automation tools that can be used today. The review material of the article will be useful for software developers, novice testers and related specialists.