California Occupational License

License Title:
    Psychiatric Technician
Return to Occupation Profile
Licensing Agency:
     Department of Consumer Affairs
     Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
     Licensing

Licensing Agency Contact Information:
     Address: 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento,  CA  95833

     Phone Number: (916) 263-7800
     Fax Number: (916) 263-7855

     E-mail Address: bvnpt@dca.ca.gov
     Internet Address: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov

License Requirements, Fees, and Examination Information:
Psychiatric technicians are entry-level health care practitioners who utilize technical, manual, and communication skills in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded persons under the direction of a licensed physician and surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, social worker, registered nurse or other professional personnel.

Fees: Application: $150
License: $300
Fingerprint processing: $51
Renewal: $300
Interim Permit: $20

Examination Frequency: Year-round; Monday through Saturday.

Exam Locations: Nine locations in California.

Experience Requirement: One of the Following: 1) Graduation from a psychiatric technician school in California accredited by the Board; 2) Graduation from an equivalent psychiatric technician school out-of-state; 3) Completion of a prescribed course of study and training and 18 months paid work experience; 4) Completion of an armed forces course of study and training and 12 months paid work experience;

Average Time to Process Application: 6-8 weeks.

Renewal Period: Biennially (every second year on birthdate).

Special License Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade or the equivalent as determined by the Board.

An interim permit may be issued pending the results of the first licensing examination.

Authority: Business and Professions Code, Section 4500 et seq.
Occupations To Which This License Applies:
Occupation TitleSOC Code
Psychiatric Technicians 292053