I'm not sure that Cisco is necessarily going to test you on those topics but instead wants to remind the students that these are the tasks CCNP's will be faced with once passing the exam. On the flip side - I'm sure that there will be network design questions on the SWITCH exam which may highlight some of those questions and the correct answers (or what Cisco recommends). Just my .02 as I'm studying for the same exam currently.
Yes this will be my first exam at the NP level. Looking to schedule it for late march early April.
SteveO86 wrote: » The NP, level will primarily be configuration and troubleshooting I wouldn't worry about proper designs for the NP Exam. When you go down the CCDA/CCDP/CCDE is where you'll need worry about best practice design recommendations.