D&D Skill Checks and Proficiency

A guide for applying skills and proficiency bonuses to ability checks in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.

Overview

This skill helps you understand and apply D&D's skill system when making ability checks. Skills represent areas of specialized training that characters can be proficient in, allowing them to add their Proficiency Bonus to relevant ability checks.

Instructions

When a character attempts an ability check and has proficiency in the relevant skill:

1. **Identify the Ability Check**: Determine which ability score (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma) is being tested.

2. **Check for Skill Proficiency**: Verify if the character has proficiency in the skill associated with this check (e.g., Athletics for Strength, Stealth for Dexterity, Perception for Wisdom).

3. **Calculate the Bonus**:

- Start with the ability modifier (the bonus or penalty from the relevant ability score)

- If the character has proficiency in the skill, add the Proficiency Bonus

- Formula: d20 + ability modifier + (Proficiency Bonus if proficient)

4. **Roll and Apply**: Roll a d20 and add the calculated modifiers to determine the result.

Example Usage

**Scenario**: A 5th-level rogue (Proficiency Bonus +3) with Dexterity 16 (+3) attempts to sneak past a guard.

**Steps**:

If the rogue rolls a 12 on the d20, the total Stealth check is 18.

Important Notes

Related Concepts

For more details on proficiency mechanics and how proficiency affects other game systems beyond skill checks, refer to the core proficiency rules in the Player's Handbook.