Qualifications

Qualifications are the documented credentials and demonstrated abilities that determine whether a person is eligible for a job, a license, or admission to further study. They typically reflect completion of specified training, education, or experience and are awarded by recognized educational institutions, professional bodies, or regulatory authorities. Qualifications provide a standardized basis for assessing a person’s knowledge and competence.

They can be educational, professional, or vocational. Educational qualifications include academic degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Professional qualifications arise from licensure or chartered status in fields such as medicine, engineering, or teaching. Vocational qualifications recognize skilled work through apprenticeships and competency-based certificates. In many systems, combinations of these forms are required.

Assessment methods vary and may include examinations, coursework, practical demonstrations, portfolios, or supervised work experience. Some qualifications are portable across borders through formal recognition frameworks; others are valid only within a particular jurisdiction. Accreditation and quality assurance by independent bodies help ensure that qualifications meet stated standards.

Most qualifications require renewal or ongoing professional development to retain validity. Verification processes and credential evaluations help employers and regulators confirm claimed qualifications and prevent fraud.

In everyday use, the term "qualification" often emphasizes eligibility, while "credential" or "certification" highlight a verifiable record of competence. Qualifications influence employability, career mobility, and access to regulated activities.