Got into the final stages, having the ability to (9)
I believe the answer is:
qualified
'got' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for qualified that I've seen before include "Passed exams - with reservations" , "guarded" , "Professional" , "Provided with the attributes necessary to do a job" , "Having credentials" .)