> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.adopt.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Testing an agent

> Run an agent on a client before publishing, so you can see its output and catch problems early.

Always test before you publish. A test run shows you exactly what reviewers will see.

## Run a test

1. Pick a client (workstream) with **real files** in its Doc Store to test against.
2. Run the agent on that client.
3. Inspect the prepared output — the workpaper, reconciliation set, or checklist — and the sources it cited.

## What to check

* **Completeness** — did it produce everything the task should?
* **Accuracy** — are the numbers and conclusions right?
* **Citations** — do the cited sources actually support the output?
* **Instructions honored** — did it follow any specific direction you gave (format, memo, standards)?

<Warning>
  **A common gotcha: no data to test on.** Testing needs files in place. If the client's Doc Store is empty, the test can't run meaningfully — set up the data source first (see [Connecting a data source](/builder-guide/connecting-a-source)). The guided flow points you back to the data step rather than hitting a dead end.
</Warning>

## Iterate

If the output isn't right, adjust the instructions (that fixes most behavior issues), confirm the skills and access are correct, then re-test. When it looks right, move on to [Schedule and publish](/builder-guide/schedule-and-publish).

## Next steps

1. [Schedule and publish](/builder-guide/schedule-and-publish)
2. [Instructions and skills](/builder-guide/instructions-and-skills)
3. [When a run fails](/troubleshooting/when-a-run-fails)