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Psychiatric Technicians Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for psychiatric technicians in California, including $345 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 19, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$345

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Psychiatric Technicians in California

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Application for licensure by examination: $345 (California School Graduate)

    • $375 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate).
  3. 3

    Application for licensure by endorsement: $300.

  4. 4

    License: $300.

  5. 5

    Fingerprint processing: $49.

  6. 6

    Renewal: $300.

  7. 7

    Examination Frequency: Year-round

    • Monday through Saturday.

Exam and processing details

  • $345 (California School Graduate)
  • $375 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate) Application for licensure by endorsement: $300 License: $300 Fingerprint processing: $49 Frequency: Year-round
  • Monday through Saturday. Locations: Nine locations in California. Experience
Fee TypeAmount
Application for licensure by examination$345
ivalency/Non-California School Graduate) Application for licensure by endorsement$300
License$300
Fingerprint processing$49
Renewal$300
Interim Permit$50

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $345

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $61,620 median (45% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Psychiatric Technicians licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: $345 (California School Graduate); $375 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate) Application for licensure by endorsement: $300 License: $300 Fingerprint processing: $49 Fre....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Application for licensure by examination: $345 (California School Graduate); $375 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate).; Application for licensure by endorsement: $300.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Application for licensure by examination: $345; ivalency/Non-California School Graduate) Application for licensure by endorsement: $300).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $61,620, Psychiatric Technicianss in California earn 45% above the national median of $42,590. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$61,620

Hourly estimate

$29.63
45% above national median

Difference: +$19,030

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,160
  • P2525th percentile$44,880
  • P50Median$61,620
  • P7575th percentile$80,630
  • P9090th percentile$91,910

State vs National Median

State: $61,620
National: $42,590

Total employment: 8,830 | Annual openings: N/A

Psychiatric Technicians Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Psychiatric Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$61,620
#2New Jersey$58,000
#3New York$57,630
#4Massachusetts$52,290
#5Hawaii$52,180

Nearby States Comparison

Psychiatric Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$61,620Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-18 years
Oregon$51,640Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$47,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$43,010Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA, 95833

Phone: 9162637800

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Psychiatric Technicians in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Psychiatric Technicians salary in California?

The median annual salary for Psychiatric Technicianss in California is $61,620. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $91,910 (90th percentile).

How does the Psychiatric Technicians salary in California compare to the national average?

Psychiatric Technicianss in California earn 45% above the national median of $42,590, with a state median of $61,620.

How many Psychiatric Technicianss work in California?

California employs approximately 8,830 Psychiatric Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Psychiatric Technicians license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Psychiatric Technicianss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Review agency details at https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Psychiatric Technicians license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.