The article examines the qualification requirements imposed in professional standards for certain categories of experts performing medical and social, forensic, and other examinations. The standards are the basis of the professional competencies of graduates of educational organizations, future experts. The requirements for the professional qualification of experts are compared with the provisions of the Model Law on Forensic Expert Activity. The authors conclude on the need for the same approach to experts of state and non-state organizations and equal requirements for their qualifications. The necessity of professional standards for application is justified, regardless of which institutions (state or non-state) experts work in. Also, the study examines the correlation of the concepts of "competence" and "qualification" and offers options for adjusting certain legal norms.