Players Handbook

Untrained Skills
Characters can perform some tasks without any training in a skill, using only raw talent (as defined by their ability scores), but trained characters tend to be better at such things. If a skill description doesn’t include “Trained Only,” you can attempt tasks involving that skill even if you have no training in it. Your bonus for the skill check is just the key ability score for that skill, with no ranks added in. Untrained characters can still hide or swim, for example; they’re just not as good at it as those with training.

Attempted Difficulty
  • Skills that cannot be used untrained are designated as “Trained Only”.
    .          [Attempts to use these skills untrained automatically fail.]

  • Skills that may be used untrained are STILL limited to a DC that a character can reasonably attempt.
    .          [DC: 12 + (their Level x 2) + applicable stat mod.]

  • Characters who possess ranks in a skill find that their training more than compensates against any applied difficulty.
    .          [DC: 12 + (their Level x2) + applicable stat mod + (Ranks Known x4)].

    Specific class abilities that explicitly increase skill rolls also increase the DC attainable. *Inquisitor, Bard, etc.