Situational Awareness; Distraction
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors; Procedure
This was my first time flying the airplane in 75 days. I did have sim 30 days ago. The FO hadn't flown in a couple weeks I believe. The airplane was full to capacity of XX pax. There was an issue with being able to take everyone before we left. Also there was a maintenance issue that was signed off but needed clarifying. Overall it was a smooth on time departure. During climb out above 10;000 we were discussing COVID and the new procedures. The APU altitude exceed message came up. We ran the QRH it went away and continued the rest of the flight without incident.
Climbing through FL330 we got a caution chime and EICAS message. APU ceiling exceeded. We followed the QRH instructions and shut down the APU with no further incidences.  I cannot recall what distracted me during engine start; but I did not complete my after start flow. In addition I did not notice that the APU was still running when I completed the after takeoff checklist. I should always believe that something is wrong when my flow is interrupted and should repeat the checklist when this happens.  That will be my behavior in the future.
Air carrier flight crew reported forgetting to turn off APU and later exceeding the APU ceiling.