Which term describes a special skill, knowledge, or ability that enables someone to perform a job?

The term that best describes a special skill, knowledge, or ability that enables someone to perform a job is qualification. Qualifications encompass the required attributes, such as education, training, and experience, that make an individual suitable for a specific role. These could include degrees, certifications, or relevant work experiences that collectively showcase an individual's capability to meet job requirements effectively.

The focus of qualifications is broader than just a skill set, which is more about the specific competencies or skills acquired. Expertise refers to a high level of proficiency or mastery in a particular area, often built over time through experience. Certification typically denotes a formal verification of skills or knowledge in a specific field but does not generally convey the full range of qualifications an individual may possess for a job. Thus, "qualification" encapsulates the comprehensive criteria that make someone eligible to perform a specific job well.