Mindstekrav

Mindstekrav is a term used in Danish, and in some Norwegian contexts, to denote minimum requirements that must be met for eligibility or participation in a given process. The concept describes thresholds that applicants, bids, or participants must satisfy, rather than desirable but optional criteria. Mindstekrav can be expressed as numerical scores, grade levels, or lists of mandatory competencies, documents, or conditions.

Etymology and scope

The word is built from mindst or mindste, meaning smallest or minimum, and krav, meaning requirement. In practice, mindstekrav set the floor for qualification and are used across public and private sectors to ensure baseline competencies or standards. They function as gatekeeping criteria that influence who may proceed to the next stage, such as an application review, a selection interview, or a contractual bidding process.

Applications and examples

Common domains include higher education admissions, where a minimum grade point average or required courses may apply; job recruitment, specifying minimum years of experience or certifications; public procurement, where bidders must meet minimum qualifications; and grant or funding programs that require certain eligibility criteria. Mindstekrav are usually documented in application guidelines, with explicit instructions on verification methods and accepted forms of evidence.

Setting and evaluation

Organizations establish mindstekrav to align with policy goals, regulatory requirements, or market needs. Criteria are typically verified through submitted documents, tests, or interviews, and non-fulfillment can lead to disqualification or deferral. Thresholds may be reviewed periodically to reflect changing conditions, demand, or available resources.

Limitations and alternatives

Rigid mindstekrav can exclude capable individuals, particularly those with diverse backgrounds or nontraditional pathways. Alternatives such as holistic review, competency-based assessments, or tiered thresholds may complement minimum requirements to balance fairness and standards.

See also

Minstekrav, minimum requirement, eligibility criteria, threshold, competency-based assessment.