[RPG] Can you save skill points for later levels

dnd-3.5eskills

When you level up you get a degree of skill points equal to your INT modifyer plus whatever your class modifyer is. But are you required to use these skill points when you level up, or can you save them until you level up at a later point? Or will you be forced to use them in a cross-class skill?

And what if you're unable to spend them because somehow you get more than you can spend within the limits of your class and level, can you opt to use them later on, or do the extra points get lost?

Best Answer

From Skills Summary:

Miscellaneous Modifiers

Miscellaneous modifiers include racial bonuses, armor check penalties, and bonuses provided by feats, among others.

Each skill point you spend on a class skill gets you 1 rank in that skill. Class skills are the skills found on your character’s class skill list. Each skill point you spend on a cross-class skill gets your character ½ rank in that skill. Cross-class skills are skills not found on your character’s class skill list. (Half ranks do not improve your skill check, but two ½ ranks make 1 rank.) You can’t save skill points to spend later.

The maximum rank in a class skill is the character’s level + 3. If it’s a cross-class skill, the maximum rank is half of that number (do not round up or down).

Regardless of whether a skill is purchased as a class skill or a cross-class skill, if it is a class skill for any of your classes, your maximum rank equals your total character level + 3.

(emphasis mine)