Each individual skill needs the assignation of skill points - 4 levels are needed in any one skill before you can be promoted to expert in that skill. I can't remember for certain how many a character needs for master and grandmaster, but I'm fairly sure it's 7 & 10 respectively. The only skill-related thing that character level controls is how many skill points you get when you train to go up a level.In assigning skill points, you might increase your characters' effectiveness if you cherry-pick skills - get one skill to expert before you start on the next.
And you're welcome to the help - any time. 
