Im going to attempt to DM a small test game of DnD5E with a friend (who has never played either) and im having trouble with some of the rules. I think I get most of whats happening but im having trouble with a particular Elf Racial Passive, I imagine it appears elsewhere, which is "Keen Senses - You have proficiency in the Perception Skill". Im unsure what this means and is it different from the "Proficiency Bonus" which is tied to your class and increases per level?

Thanks if you can help.

If you have proficiency in a skill you are able to add your proficiency bonus to your roll. So for example perception.

If you are proficient in perception at level 1 you can add your +2 proficiency bonus to the roll. That's means your perception is now 10(base)+wisdom bonus+proficiency bonus.

As indicated before proficiency bonus'are level dependent and can be found on the class table.

@sumbog: Wonderful, thank you. I think I got confused by how often they say "proficiency" but that makes it clear.

@pazy: This can be a confusing topic at the start. Especially when you considered proficiency with kits such as thieves tools. In the end though, proficiency will always mean add the bonus.

If you have any more questions feel free to pm me. I would also recommend checking out the faqs in r/dnd. They have quite a few resources guides available.

Either way, happy dungeoning!