The Web of Science Core Collection, maintained by Clarivate, is one of the most respected academic indexing platforms globally. Inclusion signals editorial quality, international relevance, and adherence to rigorous publishing standards. It also provides eligibility for the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) through Journal Citation Reports (JCR).
This guide outlines the Web of Science evaluation structure, indexing criteria, and key strategies for increasing a journal’s chances of acceptance.
Web of Science Indexes: Understanding the Structure
Clarivate evaluates journals for one or more indexes within the Core Collection:
| Index | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) | Early-stage or regional journals that meet quality standards |
| SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) | High-impact journals in natural and applied sciences |
| SSCI (Social Sciences Citation Index) | Journals in fields such as education, law, and sociology |
| AHCI (Arts & Humanities Citation Index) | Disciplines including philosophy, literature, and history |
Most new journals are initially considered for ESCI, which can serve as a pathway to SCIE, SSCI, or AHCI, and eventual inclusion in JCR.
Step 1: Review the 24 Minimum Evaluation Criteria
Clarivate applies 24 core criteria across four key areas:
1. Publishing Practices
- Peer-reviewed content
- Valid ISSN (registered through the ISSN International Centre)
- Consistent journal title and metadata
- English-language titles, abstracts, and keywords
- Reliable publishing frequency (quarterly or more frequent recommended)
- No citation manipulation or stacking
2. Editorial Content
- Original scholarly research
- Clearly stated aims and scope
- Alignment with the field or discipline
- Abstracts in English
3. Editorial Standards and Ethics
- Transparent peer review process
- Editorial ethics aligned with COPE, ICMJE, or WAME
- Full editorial board with names, roles, affiliations, and countries
- Diverse international representation
4. Online Accessibility
Journals must maintain a professionally designed website that includes:
- Editorial board and peer review information
- Author instructions and ethics policy
- Archiving and APC information (if applicable)
- Full-text article access
- Clear copyright and licensing terms (preferably Creative Commons)
- Support for digital preservation (e.g., LOCKSS, CLOCKSS, Portico)
An English-language version of the website is strongly encouraged.
Step 2: Build a Strong Digital Presence
A well-structured and transparent website is essential. Core sections should include:
- Editorial board with full details
- Clear peer review workflow
- COPE-compliant ethics statement
- Open access and licensing declarations
- Detailed author guidelines
- Statement on archiving practices
Step 3: Strengthen Citation and Global Reach
For inclusion in SCIE, SSCI, or AHCI, Clarivate evaluates scholarly impact in addition to formal criteria. Key considerations include:
- Citation performance from other indexed journals
- Geographic and institutional diversity among authors
- Editorial board members with established publication records
- International author contributions
Note: Citation performance is not a criterion for ESCI but remains an asset in evaluation.
Step 4: Submit Your Journal for Review
Applications are submitted through Clarivate’s official portal. Be prepared to provide:
- Registered ISSNs
- Publisher and editorial contact details
- Links to recent content and full archive access
- Journal aims, scope, and editorial structure
- Licensing and APC information
Clarivate will assess materials published on the journal’s website; uploading articles separately is not required.
Step 5: The Web of Science Evaluation Process
The evaluation process generally takes 4–6 months and consists of four main stages:
| Phase | Evaluation Focus |
|---|---|
| Editorial Review | Scope, peer review, editorial structure, and ethical policies |
| Technical Audit | Website functionality, metadata accuracy, and ISSN validation |
| Citation Analysis | Citation impact and academic standing (for SCIE/SSCI only) |
| Online Audit | Publishing regularity, content discoverability, and accessibility |
Step 6: Decision and Next Steps
After evaluation, journals receive one of the following outcomes:
| Result | Description |
|---|---|
| Accepted into ESCI | Meets all core criteria and is listed in the Emerging Sources index |
| Accepted into SCIE/SSCI/AHCI | Satisfies extended criteria, including citation benchmarks |
| Rejected | May reapply in two years; feedback is typically provided |
Post-Inclusion Monitoring
Clarivate continuously monitors indexed journals. Removal may occur due to:
- Declining citation performance
- Irregular publishing patterns
- Self-citation or editorial misconduct
- Failure to maintain transparency and independence
Enhancing Your Readiness: Optional Support
To improve your journal’s evaluation outcome, consider engaging expert support for:
- Policy and website audits
- Editorial board development
- JATS XML and DOI compliance
- Citation benchmarking
- Ethics and publishing standards alignment
WebTa Publishing offers comprehensive consultancy and technical services to guide your journal through the Web of Science evaluation process with precision.
Final Thoughts: Why Clarivate Indexing Matters
Being indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection affirms a journal’s academic quality and global relevance. It supports institutional rankings, enhances author trust, and opens access to citation metrics including the Journal Impact Factor.
Key Benefits:
- Eligibility for Journal Impact Factor
- Increased visibility and citation potential
- Alignment with international research and funding standards
- Enhanced scholarly credibility
Contact WebTa Publishing
WebTa Publishing helps academic journals meet Clarivate standards through policy refinement, technical compliance, and indexing strategy.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward Web of Science inclusion.