Understanding Skill Proficiencies in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

Skill proficiencies in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) represent a character’s training and aptitude in a specific area of expertise. They enhance a character’s ability to succeed in tasks related to that skill, adding a bonus to ability checks made when using that skill. This bonus is a numerical representation of how much more competent your character is compared to someone without such training.

How Skill Proficiencies Function

When your character attempts an action that requires a skill check (for example, persuading a guard, sneaking past an enemy, or recalling historical information), you roll a 20-sided die (d20) and add certain modifiers. The core of this roll is adding the relevant Ability Score Modifier (ASM). Each skill is linked to one of the six ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma). If your character is proficient in the skill, you also add your Proficiency Bonus.

Here’s the breakdown:

Total Skill Check = d20 Roll + Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient)

The Difficulty Class (DC) of the task is then compared to your total skill check. If your total meets or exceeds the DC, you succeed. The higher your skill check result, the better your success is generally considered.

Gaining Skill Proficiencies

Characters gain skill proficiencies through various means, which could include the following:

• Class: Each class grants proficiency in a specific set of skills.
• Race: Some races offer proficiency in particular skills, reflecting their inherent abilities or cultural traditions.
• Background: A character’s background provides additional skill proficiencies, representing their past experiences and training.
• Feats: Certain feats grant proficiency in one or more skills.
• Multiclassing: When multiclassing, you might gain skill proficiencies depending on the new class you select.

The Proficiency Bonus

Your proficiency bonus is a key element in the system. This bonus represents your overall level of competence and increases as your character gains levels. This is applied universally across all applicable things and not independently.

• Levels 1-4: +2
• Levels 5-8: +3
• Levels 9-12: +4
• Levels 13-16: +5
• Levels 17-20: +6

Examples in Action

Let’s say your character is a Rogue trying to pick a lock (using Thieves’ Tools and a Dexterity check). Your Dexterity score is 16 (for a modifier of +3). You are proficient in Thieves’ Tools (which is a Dexterity-based skill) and are level 5 (Proficiency Bonus of +3). You roll a 12 on the d20.

Your total skill check would be: 12 (roll) + 3 (Dexterity modifier) + 3 (Proficiency Bonus) = 18.

If the lock has a DC of 15, you would succeed.

Now, imagine a Fighter trying to recall information about local history (an Intelligence check). Their Intelligence score is 10 (for a modifier of +0). They are not proficient in History. They roll a 15 on the d20.

Their total skill check would be: 15 (roll) + 0 (Intelligence modifier) + 0 (no Proficiency Bonus) = 15.

If the DC for recalling the information is 15, they succeed, but only just. If the DC was 16, they would fail.

Expertise: Doubling Down on Proficiency

Some classes (like Rogues and Bards) have a feature called Expertise. This feature allows you to choose certain skills in which you are already proficient, and double your Proficiency Bonus when making ability checks with those skills. This dramatically increases your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skill Proficiencies

What is the difference between an Ability Score and a Skill?

An Ability Score (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) represents a character’s raw potential in a broad area. A skill is a specific application of that ability, representing focused training. For example, Strength is your raw physical power, while Athletics is your skill at performing athletic feats that use strength.

How do I determine which Ability Score is associated with each skill?

The Player’s Handbook clearly outlines the Ability Score linked to each skill. It is also typically noted on D&D character sheets next to the skill. Common associations include: Strength (Athletics), Dexterity (Acrobatics, Stealth), Intelligence (Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion), Wisdom (Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival), and Charisma (Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion).

Can I add my Proficiency Bonus to a skill check if I am not proficient in the skill?

No. You only add your Proficiency Bonus to a skill check if you are proficient in that particular skill. Without proficiency, you only add the relevant Ability Score Modifier.

How does multiclassing affect my skill proficiencies?

When you multiclass, you don’t automatically gain all the skill proficiencies of your new class. The rules for gaining proficiencies when multiclassing are specifically outlined in the Player’s Handbook. Typically, you’ll gain fewer skill proficiencies than you would if you were starting with that class from level 1.

What happens if I gain the same skill proficiency from multiple sources?

You only get the benefit of proficiency once. You do not stack proficiencies. If you would gain the same proficiency from multiple sources, you typically get to choose another proficiency of your choice, as determined by your DM.

Can I become proficient in all skills?

While it’s difficult, it’s possible through a combination of class features, race, background, and feats. However, most characters will specialize in a smaller subset of skills, reflecting their character’s strengths and training.

What is the difference between proficiency and expertise?

Proficiency adds your Proficiency Bonus to a skill check. Expertise, typically granted by class features, doubles your Proficiency Bonus for specific skills, significantly boosting your chances of success. It’s important to note: Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.

How do I know if I need to make a skill check?

Your Dungeon Master (DM) will determine when a skill check is necessary. The DM will consider the situation, the character’s actions, and the potential for success or failure when deciding if a check is required. Players can also request to make a check if they believe their skills could influence the outcome of a situation.

What is a “passive” skill check?

A passive skill check is used when the DM wants to determine the outcome of a check without the player rolling dice. This is commonly used for skills like Perception or Investigation to notice hidden details or detect ambushes without actively searching. A passive check is calculated as: 10 + Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient).

Do skill proficiencies affect combat?

While skill proficiencies don’t directly increase damage or healing, they can be valuable in combat situations. Skills like Stealth can allow you to gain advantage on attack rolls, while skills like Perception can help you spot hidden enemies. Skills like Athletics can also affect combat, for example with grappling.

How do tool proficiencies interact with skill proficiencies?

Tool proficiencies, such as proficiency with Thieves’ Tools or a musical instrument, function similarly to skill proficiencies. When using a tool, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to any ability checks if you are proficient with that tool. Some tools might even grant advantage in certain situations if used correctly.

Are there any magic items that affect skill proficiencies?

Yes! Some magic items can grant advantage on skill checks, temporarily increase your Ability Scores (thus increasing your Ability Score Modifier), or even grant proficiency in a skill you didn’t previously have.

How can I improve my character’s skills?

You can improve your character’s skills in several ways:

• Increasing Ability Scores: Raising the Ability Score associated with a skill will increase the Ability Score Modifier, which directly improves the skill.
• Gaining Proficiency: Becoming proficient in a skill adds your Proficiency Bonus to the relevant skill checks.
• Gaining Expertise: If your class allows, choosing expertise in a skill doubles your Proficiency Bonus for that skill.
• Feats: Some feats provide additional skill proficiencies or other benefits that enhance your skills.
• Magic Items: Some magic items can improve your skills, as mentioned previously.

Can my character attempt a skill check if they aren’t proficient?

Yes, anyone can attempt any skill check, regardless of proficiency. However, a character who lacks proficiency will only add their relevant Ability Score Modifier to the roll, making success more difficult.

Where can I learn more about playing and designing role playing games?

There are a number of excellent websites for learning more about role playing games. One great resource is the Games Learning Society which is dedicated to the intersection of games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover a community passionate about making learning fun and engaging.