You passed, you took your oath — now what? Here's a simple, week-by-week guide to getting your documents sorted, understanding CPD, and building habits that'll set you up right without overwhelming yourself.

Your First 90 Days After Passing the CPA Board Exam

So you passed the board exam, took your oath, and now you're officially a CPA. It feels amazing — and then a few days later, the quiet part kicks in. You start wondering, "Okay, what now?"

That's completely normal. After months of non-stop reviewing, suddenly having no exam to prepare for feels strange. But these first 90 days are actually more important than you think. Not because you need to have everything figured out, but because the small steps you take now save you a lot of headaches later.

Week 1-2: Get Your Papers in Order

If you haven't already, claim your PRC ID and Certificate of Registration. Some people put this off, and then they need it urgently for a job application or a client requirement. Just get it done early.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Add your license number, your CPA title, and any relevant experience from your internship or review period. It doesn't have to be perfect — you just want it ready when opportunities come up.

Week 3-4: Start Thinking About CPD

Continuing Professional Development isn't something most new passers think about right away, but it's worth getting familiar with how it works. The PRC requires a certain number of CPD units for license renewal, and some seminars and trainings fill up quickly.

You don't need to go on a signing spree — just explore what's available. Plenty of organizations offer affordable or even free CPD webinars. Start keeping a folder for your certificates now so you're not scrambling to collect them years later.

Month 2-3: Build Your Routine

Whether you're job hunting, starting a new role, or figuring out your next move, this is the time to build habits that stick. Set up a simple system for tracking deadlines — license renewal dates, CPD schedules, and any government registrations you might need depending on your career path.

If you're entering public practice, look into your BIR registration and accreditation requirements early. If you're going into private industry, start learning the tools your company uses — ERPs, accounting software, Excel beyond the basics. The technical knowledge from the board exam is your foundation, but the day-to-day work uses a slightly different set of skills.

Don't Rush It

It's easy to feel like everyone around you is moving faster. Someone already got hired at a Big 4 firm. Someone else is already posting about their first audit engagement. That's their timeline, not yours.

These 90 days are about setting yourself up properly — not perfectly, just properly. Get your documents sorted, understand your obligations as a licensed professional, and give yourself room to figure out what kind of CPA you actually want to be.

You just passed one of the hardest board exams in the country. You have time.