What is a Master vs. Guild MB Tech?

[jkimble]

I'm in awe of the amazing responses to technical questions that members of these fora provide -- members are truly bastions of arcane and esoteric mercedes knowledge (which is a Good Thing).

Anyway, I've been curious about what's the difference or requirements for the various degrees of Mercedes certifications?

I've seen mention of Master Technitions, which I infer is something more than factory training, and I'm not exactly sure what a Guild Technition does or falls on the linear heirarchy. Are there other certification levels, factory or otherwise? Do they cost money to obtain (testing), above and beyond the obligatory training? And finally, is there a requirement to recertify annually?

I'm just curious (and "clue challenged.")

Thanks,