Kenkyuusei Selection is an evaluation test where staff will examine the perfomance skills of the current Kenkyuusei. Those who pass the test will remain as kenkyuusei, and those who fail will be forced to graduate from the group.
As of May 2022, only AKB48 and GNZ48 have held Kenkyuusei Selections. AKB48 has not held one since 2012.
AKB48 Kenkyuusei Selection[]
1st Kenkyuusei Selection[]
- Participants: 4th to 7th generation
- Results: 2009.01.19
- Failing members: Muranaka Satomi, Suzuki Nae, Fujimoto Sara, Arima Yuka, Hatayama Arisa, Tomita Mayu
2nd Kenkyuusei Selection[]
- Participants: 4th to 7th generation
- Failing members: None
3rd Kenkyuusei Selection[]
- Participants: 8th generation
- Results: 2009.12.01
- Failing members: Asai Madoka, Ishibe Aya, Ishii Ayaka, Kaku Grace, Komizu Nanami, Miki Nikoru, Muranaka Satomi, Sakamoto Rio, Sugiyama Miku, Tomite Ami
4th Kenkyuusei Selection[]
- Participants: 8th to 9th generation
- Results: 2010.06.20
- Failing members: Ishiguro Atsuki, Kinumoto Momoko, Fujimoto Sara
5th Kenkyuusei Selection[]
- Participants: 8th to 10th generation
- Results: 2010.10.05
- Failing members: Sano Yuriko, Iwasaki Hitomi
6th Kenkyuusei Selection[]
- Participants: 12th to 13th generation
- Results: 2012.08.05
- Drop-outs: Amemiya Maika, Kita Shiori, Hasegawa Haruna, Moriyama Sakura, Watanabe Nene
GNZ48 Trainee Selection[]
On October 5, 2018, management released the rules for the preparatory phase-out system. This system scored trainees based on support by fans (performance voting, handshake and Weibo fan data), professional skills (vocal, dance and special talent), idol awareness (learning and daily work attitude, stress resistance, seniors anonymous voting), and other aspects. After the end of each season, management will announce the scores of the trainee selection; those who do not score above the qualifying line will be suspended for all activities, leaving the group. The system has been implemented since December 1, 2018
1st Trainee Selection[]
- Participants: All trainees
- Results: December, 2018
- Failing members: Wang MengYuan, Li ChenXi, Xiao WenJing