Introduction: With the advancement of society and technology, the importance of professional competency has been increasingly emphasized. This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Baidu search index for “professional competency” from July 3, 2017, to October 6, 2023, across 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China.Methods: The study begins with a literature review to establish a theoretical framework. Subsequently, it delves into the fundamental concepts of complex networks, their parameters, and the principles of visible network graph algorithms. The application of system clustering and community detection algorithms is explored within this framework.Results: The empirical analysis starts with a provincial-level examination, involving the construction of visible network graphs, the exploration of scale-free networks, and discussions on regional system clustering. Following this, a nationwide analysis is conducted, focusing on the construction of visible network graphs to visualize the awareness of professional competency and studying community structures.Discussion: The findings provide insights into the awareness of professional competency across different regions. These insights are valuable for informing policy formulation and corporate decision-making, contributing to a deeper understanding of professional competency awareness and its implications.