Key Points

• California requires a BVNPT-approved Psychiatric Technician program
• Programs include theory and supervised clinical experience
• California uses a written, 240-question licensing exam
• Psychiatric Technicians in CA earn $64,350 per year
• Training can be completed in 12–18 months depending on the school

Step 1: Meet the Psychiatric Technician Requirements in California

To qualify for Psychiatric Technician training in California, you must meet these baseline requirements:

• Be 18 years old or older
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete the Application for Psychiatric Technician Licensure through the BVNPT
• Submit DOJ and FBI fingerprinting as part of the background check
• Provide a valid U.S. Social Security number for licensing
• Meet any school-specific prerequisites such as basic science coursework

If you meet these requirements, you can start comparing local training options and request program details through Dreambound.

Step 2: Complete a California-Approved Psychiatric Technician Program

California requires all future Psychiatric Technicians to complete a program approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). These programs include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations.

Required training hours

Programs include a combination of:

• Theory: 392–576 hours, depending on the pathway
• Clinical experience: 378–954 hours

Training covers:

• Pharmacology
• Nursing science
• Mental disorders
• Developmental disabilities
• Patient care skills
• Communication and observation techniques

Most California programs take 12–18 months to finish.

Local program options

Explore local training opportunities here:

• Psychiatric Technician classes in Oxnard
• Psychiatric Technician classes in Sacramento
• Psychiatric Technician classes in Stockton

Step 3: Pass the California Psychiatric Technician Licensing Exam

After completing your program, you must take California’s Psychiatric Technician Licensing Exam. This exam is:

• A 240-question written test
• Administered by the BVNPT
• Based on nursing science, mental health care, developmental disabilities, and patient scenario questions

You will submit your exam application, pay the required fee, and wait for your test date. Schools will usually provide exam preparation support.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure and Start Working

Once you pass the exam, the BVNPT will notify you of your Initial License Fee. After payment and verification, the board will issue your license. Processing can take 4–6 weeks.

Where Psychiatric Technicians work

Licensed Psychiatric Technicians are employed in:

• State hospitals
• Mental health treatment centers
• Behavioral health units
• Private psychiatric facilities
• Developmental disability centers
• County programs and residential care facilities

Use MyNextMove to explore job openings in California.

Psychiatric Technicians in California earn $64,350 per year, making this a strong entry-level healthcare role with statewide demand.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatric Technician in California?

Most students finish their program and licensing steps in 12–18 months, depending on the school schedule and BVNPT processing times.