Understanding Expertise in Dungeons & Dragons
In Dungeons & Dragons, a character’s skill proficiencies play a significant role in determining their strengths outside of combat. These proficiencies can significantly influence how well a character performs in various scenarios. For instance, a ranger skilled in Survival is well-equipped to navigate through the wilderness, thanks to their proficiency modifier, which increases their likelihood of success when making specific checks.
However, having proficiency doesn’t guarantee success. For players seeking to master a particular skill, there’s the concept of Expertise. This feature is incredibly advantageous for any character, and in this guide, we’ll unpack what Expertise is, how it works, and how to acquire it.
Updated on February 10, 2025 by Jack Filsinger: Since the release of the 2024 Player’s Handbook, there have been slight updates to how Expertise functions in D&D 5e. This guide highlights the recent changes and details how your character can gain Expertise.
Changes to Expertise in the 2024 Player’s Handbook
While the core aspects of Expertise have not changed significantly, a few key distinctions have arisen:
- New Feats for Expertise – Players can now acquire Expertise through additional feats, even if their selected class does not provide it.
- Timing for Gaining Expertise – The specific levels at which classes gain Expertise have been adjusted, as have the classes that can access this feature. Details of these changes follow.
What Exactly is Expertise?
Expertise is a crucial feature that can elevate a character’s abilities in D&D, particularly for players aiming to hone their skills in certain areas.
Typically, when a character is proficient in a skill, they will add their proficiency bonus to the ability score modifier during skill checks. The proficiency bonus is determined by the character’s level, as illustrated in the table below:
| Character Level | Proficiency Bonus |
|---|---|
| Level 1-4 | +2 |
| Level 5-8 | +3 |
| Level 9-12 | +4 |
| Level 13-16 | +5 |
| Level 17-20 | +6 |
However, when a character has Expertise in a skill, they double their proficiency bonus whenever they make a relevant skill check.
Note: Expertise cannot stack; it’s not possible to apply it to a single skill more than once.
Expertise is linked to a specific skill rather than the overall ability score. Therefore, if a character has Expertise in Intimidation, they can apply that bonus exclusively to Intimidation checks and not to other Charisma-related checks like Performance or Persuasion.
For instance, a level-five character with Expertise might achieve a total of 30 on a skill check, with higher-level characters able to exceed that if they have Expertise.
| Character Level | Expertise Modifier |
|---|---|
| Level 1-4 | +4 |
| Level 5-8 | +6 |
| Level 9-12 | +8 |
| Level 13-16 | +10 |
| Level 17-20 | +12 |
Classes That Can Gain Expertise
The easiest avenue for obtaining Expertise is through class selection. The following five classes can automatically gain Expertise:
- Artificer
- Bard
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Wizard
Here is how each class gains Expertise:
| Class | Expertise Level(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Artificer | 6th | Gains Expertise with any tools they are proficient in. |
| Bard | 2nd, 9th | Chooses two skills to gain Expertise at levels two and nine. |
| Ranger | 2nd, 9th | Gains Expertise in one skill at level two and two skills at level nine. |
| Rogue | 1st, 6th | Gains Expertise in two skills of their choice at levels one and six. |
| Wizard | 2nd | May gain Expertise in Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, Nature, or Religion if proficient. |
Feats That Grant Expertise
If you prefer not to choose one of these classes or want to avoid multiclassing, there are specific feats that can grant Expertise:
| Feat | Prerequisite(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Keen Mind | Level 4+, Intelligence 13+ | Gain Expertise in Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, or Religion if already proficient. |
| Observant | Level 4+, Intelligence or Wisdom 13+ | Gain Expertise in Insight, Investigation, or Perception if already proficient. |
| Skill Expert | None | Choose any skill you are proficient in and gain Expertise in it. |
| Boon Of Skill | None | Choose any skill you are proficient in and gain Expertise in it. |
These feats come with additional benefits, so check Chapter Five of the 2024 Player’s Handbook for more details.
The Impact of Expertise on Combat
While most skill proficiencies are beneficial outside of combat, having Expertise in certain skills can be advantageous during battles. For example, if a rogue has Expertise in Stealth, they’ll excel when using the Hide action, maximizing the effectiveness of their Cunning Action.
Additionally, for characters focusing on grappling opponents, having Expertise in Athletics can significantly increase their chances of successfully restraining foes.
In summary, whether through class features or carefully selected feats, gaining and utilizing Expertise can greatly enhance a character’s effectiveness in both role-playing scenarios and combat situations.