Crossword Genius

What's conditional pass of an exam (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

qualification

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'exam' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'what's conditional pass of an' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'pass' could be 'cat' (catting is a kind of passing) and 'cat' is found in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'an' could be 'i' (Roman numeral for one) and 'i' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for qualification that I've seen before include "evidence of capability?" , "Caveat" , "Relevant certificate" , "Diploma" , "Proviso" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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