What are the qualifications required for a candidate in Freemasonry?

The qualifications for a candidate are traditionally categorized into moral, religious, physical, intellectual, and political or social requirements 21.

Morally and religiously, a candidate must be a man of irreproachable conduct who obeys the moral law and maintains a good reputation, traditionally described as being "under the tongue of good report" 121. He must possess a belief in God as a Supreme Being 21 and in a future life 1. Atheists and irreligious libertines are excluded, though specific sectarian creeds are not required, leaving candidates obligated only to the religion in which all men agree 121.

Physically, a candidate must be a man of mature age—typically at least twenty-one years old—and not so advanced in years as to have fallen into dotage 121. Ancient charges required candidates to be upright in body and possessed of all their limbs and senses 21. While older rules strictly excluded those who were maimed or dismembered 121, later interpretations in some jurisdictions, such as the Grand Lodge of England, relaxed this requirement to allow anyone physically capable of going through the ceremonies 1. Women and eunuchs are strictly excluded 1.

Intellectually, a candidate must be in full possession of his mental faculties, excluding fools, idiots, and madmen 21. He must have sufficient judgment and education to comprehend the fraternity's principles 21, with modern regulations generally expecting or requiring the ability to read and write 121.

Politically and socially, a candidate must be a free man in the unrestrained enjoyment of his civil liberty 21, historically specified as being "free-born" 1. Additionally, he must possess a visible means of support to pay necessary fees and dues 1, apply free from mercenary motives 1, and be personally acceptable to every member of the lodge through the ballot 1.