California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 4510.1

An applicant for license by examination shall submit a written application in the form prescribed by the board.  Provided that the application for licensure is received by the board no later than four months after completion of a board approved psychiatric technician program and approval of the application, the board may issue an interim permit authorizing the applicant to practice all skills included in the permittee's basic course of study, pending the results of the first licensing examination, or for a period of nine months, whichever occurs first.

A permittee shall function under the supervision of a licensed psychiatric technician or a registered nurse, who shall be present and available on the premises during the time the permittee is rendering professional services.  The permittee may perform any function taught in the permittee's basic psychiatric technician program.

If the applicant passes the examination, the interim permit shall remain in effect until an initial license is issued by the board or for a maximum period of six months after passing the examination, whichever occurs first.  If the applicant fails the examination, the interim permit shall terminate upon notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, or if the applicant fails to receive the notice, upon the date specified in the interim permit, whichever occurs first.  An interim permittee shall not use any title or designation other than psychiatric technician interim permittee or “P.T.I.P.”