The article reveals the methodological and methodical features of the expert survey and its role in sociological research. The advantages and limitations of using the results of the experts survey as a multivariant complex process both from the methodological and methodical points of view of the research process were substantiated. The requirements for its organization and conduct, including the requirements for the competence of experts, are presented. It is shown that its advantages lie in the possibility of obtaining new reliable information, deep interpretation, explanation, forecasting of the phenomena and processes under study, development of practical recommendations from non-standard positions. Particular emphasis is placed on the problems and mistakes in the implementation of various types of expert survey in sociology. Today, this method helps to diagnose, model, design and predict the state of real objects and processes, including employee certifi cation processes. Moreover, it can be used to assess the social consequences of the implementation of projects and recommendations and management decisions. This breadth of research functions contributes to the popularity and development of the method of expert surveys in sociology.