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,

__________________
--Jim Kimble

"ALPO is 99 cents a can -- That's almost SEVEN dog dollars!!"

Good question...surprised I never saw a thread about this earlier!

I would like to add...does the shop you're employed at "reward" you as a result of your certification and mastery of all things MB, or are you forced to contemplate going out on your own?

__________________
2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Hopefully I can shed a little light on the subject, no doubt that it will attract more comments.

Mercedes Master-Minimum 24 (might be higher/lower) factory training credits and maintains a minimum score of 100% on their TRP Tests.

Master Guild Status-Same as above but the individuals score within a certain percentile in the nation after taking the Master Guild Challenge Test. I believe only 20 people in the nation are eligible for the recognition award, repeat guilds must wait 3 years to enjoy the fruit of the award again. The award usually includes travel to a foreign country, a recognition dinner, a diamond ring, oh, and a 1099 with your name on it! Even with a 1099 it is quite the feather in the cap.

TRP tests are open book style tests that was/is given 4 times during a calendared time frame. The tests are turned in within the time period stated in order to be credited. Master guild challenge test is given at the end of the calendared test period, usually at a designated test site. The master guild challenge is a close book test so retention is one important key to achieving master guild status