This paper considers some of the issues that emerge from studies relating to standards and concepts of education for social professions in Europe, and looks at the methodology and dilemmas of cross-national comparison in the field of social education systems. Referring to the general methods of comparative research, the study deals with chosen elements within the structuring and functioning of the main concepts of education for social work in Europe, as well as some elements of the systems of education for social work, which can be identified as accepted standards of academic education. Using examples from research, the study shows how knowledge of comparative methodology can be applied when analyzing concepts and standards of education for social professions in Europe.