Waiver
Beginner
Written permission to leave a reported problem in place, because it is known to be harmless.
Novice
A written, approved explanation for why a reported violation can safely stay, for example a rule flagged inside a block the factory has already proven. Waivers are reviewed because an unexamined one can hide a real bug.
Expert
A recorded exception to a signoff check with its reason, scope, owner and approver, matched by location or pattern so it can’t silently cover new violations. Carrying waivers across deck versions or projects without review is a known source of escapes.