When it comes to skill levels, everyone rates themselves differently. Below is how I categorize each skill level.
Beginner: You are new to motorcycling and not comfortable riding in challenging conditions. You have trouble with hill-climbs, rocky terrain, steep descents and standing up while riding. Beginner riders struggle with proper clutch and braking techniques especially when the terrain gets challenging.
Novice: You have been riding for some time and if you were to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up in the C class. You are comfortable navigating through a variety of terrain and can make quick line changes. Long rocky hill climbs or descents are a challenge and getting the front end up and over ledges are tricky.
Intermediate: You have been riding for some time and get to ride a couple of times a month. If you were to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up for the B class. You can ride all day if necessary and welcome being challenged. You struggle in technical terrain but can get through it.
Advanced: Most people classify themselves as advanced level riders when they are actually intermediate. You have years of riding experience and ride on a regular basis (weekly). If you were going to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up in the A class. You smile when you see a gnarly rock garden or root infested trail. You are in good shape and can ride all day.
Expert: You have years of experience and ride on a regular basis (weekly). If you were going to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up in the AA, Expert, or Pro class. You can ride any kind of terrain and welcome a challenge. You like steep climbs and have excellent throttle, clutch and brake control. When you ride, you rarely make mistakes and are an extremely efficient rider.