破格 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to make an exception to the usual rules or standards', often used when someone with special talent or qualifications is given a privilege that deviates from normal procedures. You can split it with a measure word or time expression, e.g., 破了一次格 ('made an exception once'). It commonly appears as an adverbial modifier before verbs like 提拔, 录取, 提升 ('promote', 'admit', 'elevate'), meaning 'exceptionally' or 'as an exception'.