qual ‧ i ‧ fi ‧ ca ‧ tion W3 /ˌkwɒləfəˈkeɪʃ ə n, ˌkwɒlɪfəˈkeɪʃ ə n $ ˌkwɑː-/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ qualification , ↑ disqualification , ↑ qualifier ; verb : ↑ qualify , ↑ disqualify ; adjective : ↑ qualified ≠ ↑ unqualified , disqualified]
1 . [countable usually plural] if you have a qualification, you have passed an examination or course to show you have a particular level of skill or knowledge in a subject:
He left school without any qualifications.
qualification in
We are looking for graduates with qualifications in maths or science.
2 . [countable usually plural] a skill, personal quality, or type of experience that makes you suitable for a particular job or position
qualification for
health and fitness qualifications for membership in the Territorial Army
qualification to do something
There have been questions about his qualifications to lead the company.
Does he have the right qualifications to become a Supreme Court Justice?
3 . [uncountable] when a person or team reaches a necessary standard, for example by passing an examination or defeating another team:
Upon qualification, you can expect to find work abroad fairly easily.
qualification for
the US qualification for the World Cup
4 . [uncountable and countable] something that you add to a statement to limit its effect or meaning SYN reservation :
I welcome without qualification the Minister’s proposal.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ have a qualification ( also hold a qualification formal )
You don't need to have any qualifications for this job.
▪ lack qualifications
40 percent of the prisoners lack any qualifications.
▪ get a qualification British English ( also gain/obtain a qualification formal )
I want to get the qualifications so that I can become a doctor.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + qualification
▪ academic qualifications
Eva had excellent academic qualifications.
▪ educational qualifications
Too many children leave school without any educational qualifications.
▪ a teaching/medical/legal etc qualification BrE:
She has a degree and a teaching qualification.
▪ a professional qualification British English (=one relating to a professional job, such as a teacher, lawyer etc)
A professional qualification in accountancy would be an advantage.
▪ a vocational qualification British English (=one relating to a skilled job, such as nurse or a builder)
You can study for a vocational qualification in the tourism industry.
▪ formal qualifications (=official qualifications rather than experience)
He has no formal qualifications.
▪ paper qualifications British English often disapproving (=documents showing that you have passed exams, rather than actual experience of doing something)
We often find that paper qualifications are no guide to ability.
▪ a recognized qualification (=one that is accepted by people as good)
Trainees can work towards a recognised vocational qualification.
▪ good/excellent qualifications
Good qualifications are a passport to success.