Published: 15 May 2016
Purpose. Assessment of awareness and readiness of managers and specialists of social protection system to pass through voluntary certification to confirm the compliance with the provisions of the professional standards. Methods. The comparative analysis of the 2015 2016 research findings on the anticipated introduction of independent qualification assessment in the social protection institutions is carried out, the respondents' assessments depending on the posture are analyzed; the groups of respondents the most / least ready for the professional standards introduction are revealed. Scientific novelty. The dynamics of employers’ and of social protection workers’ assessments for the period of 1 year prior to and immediately before the introduction of independent qualification assessment for compliance with professional standards is analyzed. It shows a complex of organizational and personnel activities, already carried out in institutions for the implementation of professional standards in their operation. General problems of the social protection system as a whole and risk groups by staff positions have been revealed while introducing the independent qualification assessment for compliance with professional standards. Results. Based on the comparison of the results of two similar surveys it has been concluded that the introduction of qualification assessment for compliance with professional standards will allow for improving the professional competences and for both managers and specialists of social protection system to feel more confident. Most of the respondents are not only informed, but also willing to pass the qualification assessment by the provisions of professional standard, they understand the need and see the prospects of these innovations in their own knowledge extending, career development, competitiveness enhancement. The findings have been used to design the professional development and certification activities programs in the framework of strategic planning of the social sphere development of the city of Moscow and the adjustment of personnel policy, and also in the practical activity of social protection institutions of the capital.