a beginner or novice

He's a neophyte at chess.

Roman Catholic Church . a novice.

a person newly converted to a belief, as a heathen, heretic, or nonbeliever; proselyte.

Primitive Church . a person newly baptized.

noun

abecedarian , amateur , apprentice , colt * , fledgling , freshman , greenhorn , new boy/girl , newcomer , new kid on the block * , novice , recruit , rookie * , tenderfoot * , trainee , tyro * , initiate , novitiate , tenderfoot , tyro , beginner , catechumen , convert , learner , proselyte , rookie , student , tiro