DU GEEKS: What is harder A+ or Net+?

[noahmijo]

I passed the A+ a few days ago and am now looking to pass the Net+ test before its current version expires at the end of this month.

I am good at studying and I never skimp on study tools (So far the series of books I've been using have proven to be good choices) and I even get audio lectures to listen to while at the gym.

Anyways I've had people tell me that the A+ was alot harder for them than the Net+. The reasons ranging from having taken the A+ you know what to expect, to the fact that Net+ overall seems to be a bit more fun and if any of the practice questions I've been doing are any indication it seems like it truly does nothing more than measure your knowledge of the subject matter instead of trying to screw with your head like the A+ test did (and far too many damn times)

So takers of both tests what do you say?

PS my background with networks is definitely at a beginner's level but I have set up small networks and honestly can say just from glancing at the requirments I feel like I know at least 10% of the material off the top of my head without even going into further study.

PSS I understand nothing beats real world knowledge. Problem is all I can afford are books and practice tests. I'm not about to go out and build 5 computers and put them on a network only to lose use for them eventually. To me certification tests are nothing more than to tell the employer "look man I can learn okay the difference between me and the uncertified guy is that you know for a fact that I have the ability to learn at a reasonable rate and I won't waste your time"

And THAT'S how you start the road to getting what they call "industry experience"

Thanks!

NB

[Strawman]

1. I found Net + to be easier

Less stuff to remember even though A+ is supposed to be a more entry level test. Both were pretty easy. If you passed A+ without much trouble and do well on tests in general, you shouldn't have any problem with Network+. I used this book to prepare for it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0072253452/qid=1117853305/sr=8-2/ref=pd_csp_2/104-0146174-5782368?v=glance&s=books&n=507846