Maximum PC

I am wondering about the differences of these 2 A+ certification. I took the Microsoft A+, and I am currently A+ certified. NOW I am hearing about CompTia's A+ certification and curious as to what if any differences between the 2. I contacted Microsoft, and they just tell me it is accepted. (CompTia) So if there is anyone out there that has already been certified in both Microsoft's and CompTia's A+ I would love to hear the breakdown on both.

CompTIA A+
For entry-level IT technicians, the CompTIA A+ exam covers preventative maintenance, basic networking, installation, troubleshooting, communication and professionalism.

CompTIA Network+
For networking professionals, the CompTIA Network+ exam covers managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure.

CompTIA Security+
For experienced security professionals, the CompTIA Security+ exam covers system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, assessments and audits.

CompTIA Server+
For experienced IT professionals, the CompTIA Server+ exam covers areas such as RAID, SCSI, managing multiple CPUs and disaster recovery.

CompTIA Linux+
For experienced Linux professionals, the CompTIA Linux+ exam covers user administration, file permissions, software configurations and the fundamental management of Linux systems.

CompTIA PDI+
For entry-level printer and document-imaging technicians, the CompTIA PDI+ exam covers basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes, color theory and networking.

CompTIA RFID+
For RFID professionals, the CompTIA RFID+ exam covers installation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of RFID products.

CompTIA Convergence+
For experienced convergence professionals, the CompTIA Convergence+ exam covers designing, implementing and managing voice and data networks.

CompTIA CTT+
For technical instructors, the CompTIA CTT+ exam covers classroom preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation in both traditional classroom and virtual classroom environments.

CompTIA CDIA+
For document imaging solutions sellers, the CompTIA CDIA+ exam covers planning, designing and specifying a document imaging management system.

CompTIA Project+
For project managers, the CompTIA Project+ certification covers the entire process of project management, including initiation, planning, execution, acceptance, support and closure.

When and where did you take Microsoft's A+ exam? I hope it didn't cost much. I've never heard of such a thing. I just checked Google, M$, and Prometric and they failed to provide evidence that one exist. I wasn't surprised. CompTIA is the + god!

The OP may have assumed it was a MS cert based on this, it wouldn't be the first time.

Thru the MCSE exam, and verifiable thru education@microsoft.com Microsoft DOES indeed have this available, or in my case had it available back in the Windows NT 3.x, and 4.x era.

Third-party (CompTIA) certifications:

CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+

or

CompTIA Security+

Not sure if I was alive then. J/k but I was young enough to forget. I checked M$'s site for this very reason and they have CompTIA listed under MCSE.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us ... .aspx#tab2
BTW, That's why I asked where and when. It still looks odd to me.

The first 3 were VERY easy. BUT the last one I didn't fare that well, but then again back in the days WE didn't have those threats, BUT I need to brush up myself on security.