Described are techniques for customizing a help system. A help system may be received providing help for a product. A proficiency level for a user may be determined in accordance with one or more proficiency criteria including one or more previous interactions of the user with any of the help system and performing an operation using a non-help feature of the product. A customized help system for the user may be determined for the user in accordance with the proficiency level for the user, wherein the customized help system is a modified version of the help system.