A Guide to the CCF Conference List & How to Rank CS Conferences

For researchers, academics, and graduate students in computer science, selecting the right conference to publish your work is a critical decision. The prestige of a conference not only reflects the quality of your research but also significantly impacts your academic career, from securing funding to gaining recognition among your peers.

However, navigating the vast landscape of academic events can be challenging. How do you determine which conferences are top-tier? This guide will demystify the process by explaining two key aspects: where to find the influential CCF Recommended Conference List and how to use a multi-faceted approach to evaluate computer science conference rankings effectively.

(Image Alt Text: A conceptual graphic illustrating the evaluation of computer science conference rankings and the CCF list.) (Image Filename: computer-science-conference-rankings-guide.png)

Where to Find the CCF Recommended Conference List

The "List of International Academic Conferences and Periodicals Recommended by the China Computer Federation (CCF)", commonly known as the CCF List, is a highly influential ranking system used by academic institutions throughout China to evaluate research output. While its primary influence is in China, its reputation has grown internationally as a solid reference point for conference quality.

Official Source

The most authoritative place to find the list is on the official website of the China Computer Federation (CCF).

Official Website: https://www.ccf.org.cn/
How to Find It: The list is typically published under sections related to "Publications" or "Academic Evaluation." The most recent widely referenced version is the 2022 edition. While the website is primarily in Chinese, the conference names and acronyms are in English.

Community-Driven Tools for Deadlines

For practical, everyday use, many researchers rely on third-party websites that combine the CCF list with submission deadlines. These are incredibly useful for planning your publication schedule.

"CCF DDL" Websites: Simply searching for "CCF DDL" (Deadline) will lead you to user-friendly websites (like ccfddl.top) that display all CCF-ranked conferences sorted by their upcoming submission deadlines.

Understanding the CCF Categories

The CCF List categorizes conferences and journals into three tiers:

Category A: Top-tier, flagship conferences that are considered the most prestigious in their field. Publication in a Category A conference is a significant achievement.
Category B: Highly important and reputable conferences with major influence in their respective fields.
Category C: Important and recognized conferences that are well-regarded within the academic community.

How to Evaluate Computer Science Conference Rankings

Relying on a single list is not enough to get a complete picture. A robust evaluation of a conference’s prestige involves looking at multiple ranking systems and qualitative factors.

1. Major Ranking Systems

Beyond the CCF list, other systems provide an international perspective:

CORE Rankings: Maintained by the Computing Research and Education Association of Australasia, the CORE ranking is another globally respected system. It classifies conferences into four tiers: A* (Flagship), A (Excellent), B (Good), and C (Standard). A conference ranked as both CCF A and CORE A* is unequivocally a top venue.
CSRankings: This is a metrics-based system that ranks institutions and faculty based on publications in top-tier conferences. By extension, the list of conferences included in CSRankings is considered a curated collection of the most impactful venues in computer science.

2. Citation-Based Metrics

The long-term impact of a conference can be measured by how often its papers are cited.

Google Scholar Metrics (h5-index): A straightforward and powerful metric. The h5-index indicates that the conference has published h articles in the last five years, each of which has been cited at least h times. A higher h5-index suggests a greater overall impact on the field. You can browse top publications by field on the Google Scholar Metrics website.

3. Other Critical Indicators

Acceptance Rate: The percentage of submitted papers that are accepted for publication. Top-tier conferences are highly selective and often have acceptance rates below 25%. A low acceptance rate usually correlates with a rigorous peer-review process and high-quality papers.
Sponsors and History: Conferences sponsored by prestigious professional organizations like the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) are typically well-organized and reputable. A long, consistent history of annual events also adds to a conference's credibility.
Keynote Speakers and Committee: Look at who is speaking at the conference and who is on the program committee. If the keynote speakers are leading figures in the field and the committee members are from top universities and research labs, it is a strong sign of a high-quality event.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach

Choosing the right conference is a strategic decision. To make an informed choice, look beyond a single list. Cross-reference the CCF and CORE rankings, check the conference's h5-index and acceptance rate, and consider its reputation within your specific research community. By taking this holistic approach, you can identify the most impactful venues for your work and advance your academic career.