prerequisite
n.something that you must have or do before you can move on to the next step. For example, you might need to pass one class before you can take a more difficult one.
n.a requirement that must be satisfied prior to a subsequent event or action. Often used in academic or professional contexts to describe mandatory preliminary conditions.
“A basic math course is a prerequisite for this advanced physics class.”
“The university requires a high level of English proficiency as a prerequisite for admission to the graduate program.”
“While technical skills are essential, the hiring committee emphasized that a collaborative mindset is a prerequisite for success within their highly integrated research teams.”
Often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'to'.
“Many universities are removing or lowering prerequisite subjects as entry requirements , which sends a signal that students don't need to engage with "difficult" areas of study.”
“The machine-learning method identifies differentially methylated DNA regions without sample labels—a prerequisite for many existing algorithms.”
From pre- + requisite.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.