> [!columns|3 no-t]
> >[!abstract|no-i title-center] **[[Proficiency]], [[Skills]]**
>
> > [!example|no-i title-center] **[[Elmanon]]**
>
> > [!question|no-i title-center] **[[Player Hub]]**
> [!warning|no-i title-center] **[[Adventurer's Guild]]**
---
Most [[Ability Check|Ability Checks]] involve using a [[Skills|Skill]], which represents a category of things creatures try to do with an [[Ability Check]]. The descriptions of the [[Action|Actions]] specify which [[Skills|Skill]] applies if you make an [[Ability Check]] for that [[Action]], and many other rules note when a [[Skills|Skill]] is relevant. The [[GM]] has ultimate say on whether a [[Skills|Skill]] is relevant in a situation.
If a creature is proficient in a skill, the creature applies its [[Proficiency Bonus]] to [[Ability Check|Ability Checks]] involving that skill. Without [[Proficiency]] in a skill, a creature can still make [[Ability Check|Ability Checks]] involving that skill but doesn't add its [[Proficiency Bonus]].
>[!example]
>For example, if a character tries to climb a cliff, the [[GM]] might ask for a [[Strength]] ([[Athletics]]) check. If the character has [[Athletics]] [[Proficiency]], the character adds their [[Proficiency Bonus]] to the [[Strength]] check. If the character lacks that [[Proficiency]], they make the check without adding their [[Proficiency Bonus]].
**Source:**
> [!quote] Player's Handbook 2024 p. 13-14