Proficiency¶
Proficiency reflects training in skills, saving throws, weapons, or tools. Add your Proficiency Bonus to an applicable D20 Test when proficient. The same bonus is used for spell attacks and many spell or feature save DCs. Weapon proficiency adds to the attack roll, not normally the damage roll. Armor training allows use under its rules; it does not add Proficiency Bonus to Armor Class.
Proficiency Bonus by character level¶
| Total character level | Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | +2 |
| 5–8 | +3 |
| 9–12 | +4 |
| 13–16 | +5 |
| 17–20 | +6 |
Multiclass characters use total character level for this bonus. Class features and spell preparation still use the relevant class level.
No stacking¶
Add Proficiency Bonus only once to a roll or other number, even if several proficiencies apply. Expertise doubles it for the checks it specifies; it does not add two separate bonuses. A bonus can be multiplied only once and divided only once. Without the applicable proficiency, you do not gain its contribution just because another rule would multiply it.
Skills, saves, weapons, and tools¶
Class, background, species, feats, and other features determine actual training. Saving throw proficiency is separate from skill proficiency. Check your class’s multiclass entry when adding a class: you do not automatically gain its starting saving throw proficiencies or all its starting training.
Source: supplied Player’s Handbook (2024), chapter 1, Proficiency (printed pages 13–14), and Rules Glossary. Paraphrased quick reference; specific rules can override these general rules.
Weapon proficiency: categories and individual weapons¶
Proficiency with Simple weapons applies to every weapon in the Simple Melee and Simple Ranged categories, such as Daggers, Quarterstaffs, and Shortbows. It does not include Martial weapons such as Longswords or Longbows. Proficiency with Martial weapons applies to that category; follow the exact categories or individual weapons your class or feature grants. Knowing one particular weapon does not grant its entire category.
For an attack with a proficient weapon, add the relevant ability modifier and your Proficiency Bonus to the d20. Without proficiency, use the ability modifier but omit the Proficiency Bonus. Lack of weapon proficiency alone does not impose Disadvantage or reduce the weapon’s damage die. Proficiency Bonus is not normally added to damage. For example, at level 3 with Dexterity 14, a proficient Dagger attack is d20 +4; without proficiency it is d20 +2. Normal damage is still 1d4 +2 Piercing when using Dexterity through Finesse.
Weapon proficiency and Weapon Mastery are different: proficiency adds the attack bonus, while a separate feature must let you use a weapon’s mastery property. Magic weapons use proficiency for their underlying weapon type. Check class multiclass entries and other grants for the training you actually receive.
Shields and armor training¶
The 2024 rules call this armor training, including training with Shields. A normal Shield grants +2 AC only if you have Shield training and wield it as required. Without that training, you do not gain its AC bonus. Do not add your Proficiency Bonus to AC. Training with Simple or Martial weapons does not itself grant Shield training, and Shield training does not grant weapon proficiency. Only one Shield can benefit you at a time.
This differs from wearing Light, Medium, or Heavy armor without the relevant training: that imposes Disadvantage on Strength- or Dexterity-based D20 Tests and prevents spellcasting. For a Shield alone, the stated lack-of-training penalty is loss of its AC bonus. A Shield occupies a hand; also check your spell components and other hand requirements.
In the workshop, weapon attack calculations use class training, recorded proficiencies, and the per-weapon proficiency setting. Equipping supported armor or a trained Shield updates calculated AC and its contribution breakdown. Untrained worn armor still gives AC but imposes its training penalties; an untrained Shield gives no normal AC bonus. The Feats & Traits training section shows class/feature grants and lets you record additional training. Set a variable magic item’s base armor and bonus in its editor. A separate total AC override supports table rulings.
Sources: supplied PHB 2024, Weapons / Weapon Proficiency (printed page 213; PDF page 212), Armor / Armor Training (printed page 219; PDF page 218), and Rules Glossary Armor Training (PDF page 360).
Monsters and Challenge Rating¶
Monster Proficiency Bonuses are provided in their stat blocks and follow Challenge Rating (CR), rather than player character level.
Imported source¶
Original internal-site content. The rulebook citations in the original page are retained.
References to the workshop describe the separate browser application. For a text-only character record, use Character Sheet.