This represents someone who has had an introductionary course. It gives a rudimentary grasp of the basics, but nothing more. There are no requirements for learning this level, although not every race can learn every skill. As soon as you have the basic level, your skill points can progress through practice.
The advanced skill level represents someone who has some experience and knows the routine. It allows characters to use their skill more effective. To learn the advanced level you must have the basic level and at least 3 skill points.
The expert skill level represents an expert in the field. She has thorough knowledge of the subject and experience to match. Someone with expert level demands respect from those who see her in action To learn the expert level you must have the advanced level and at least 6 skill points.
People reaching this level are true masters and celebrated even years after their deaths. They are outclassed by none but the grandmasters. To learn the master level you must have the expert level and at least 9 skill points.
Grandmasters are the stuff of legends. This level is rarely attained by anyone, it represents almost a higher state of being, granting awesome powers to the wielder of this level. To learn the grandmaster level you must have the master level and at least 12 skill points.