Work and business / B2

kwol-if-i-KAYSHUN/ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/

A qualification is an official exam or training record: a teaching qualification, entry qualifications, gain a qualification. It is also a limit on a statement (with one qualification). Degree, diploma, and certificate are types. Qualify is the verb. In speech, the piece of paper / the course you passed is enough. Do not call work experience a qualification unless the advert does, and in UK English qualifications is a standard jobs-section heading.

Meaning

An official record of passing an exam or completing training; also a limit you add to a statement.

Examples

• “A teaching qualification is essential for this post.”
• “A teaching qualification is essential; enthusiasm is not a substitute.”
• “He accepted the figures with one qualification: the sample excluded Scotland.”

Good to know

gain / a teaching qualification; entry qualifications. Types: degree / diploma / certificate. Also: a limit on a claim. Verb: qualify. Not automatically “experience”.

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