What does the term "Curriculum Vitae" specifically refer to?

The term "Curriculum Vitae" specifically refers to a comprehensive document detailing an individual's academic and professional history. This includes educational background, work experience, skills, publications, research, and additional achievements or activities that are relevant to the individual’s career. Unlike a resume, which is typically a brief summary often tailored to a specific job application, a CV provides an in-depth overview of a person’s qualifications and is used primarily in academic, educational, and some professional contexts.

The other options highlight distinct concepts: a brief summary of personal qualifications suggests a resume, which summarizes information rather than presenting it comprehensively like a CV; a standardized form for job applications can refer to a specific application format rather than a broad documentation of a person's history; and a type of introductory letter pertains to cover letters, which serve a different purpose in the job application process by introducing an applicant and linking their experience to the job in question.