From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englisha working knowledge of somethinga working knowledge of somethingKNOW somethingenough knowledge of a system, subject, language etc to be able to use it or to do a particular job A good working knowledge of the building regulations is necessary for the job. → working
Examples from the Corpus
a working knowledge of something• Andy has a good working knowledge of accounting practices.• Ideally, you will have a degree in engineering or science with a working knowledge of heat transfer mechanisms.• Lambert was himself a skilled administrator, with a working knowledge of sanitary reform.• In this case, having a working knowledge of the types of microcomputer available will be important.• Those who supervise clerical supervisors must have a working knowledge of word processing, communications, data processing, and recordkeeping. 