California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 4511

(a) Be at least 18 years of age.

(b) Have successfully completed an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade or the equivalent thereof as determined by the board.

(c) Have successfully completed (1) a prescribed course of study and training in a school approved by the board, which course of study and training shall combine the nursing knowledge and skills necessary for the care of any ill person and in addition those special skills necessary for the care of the mentally disabled and the developmentally disabled, or (2) a course of study and training which, together with previously acquired training or experience, is determined by a school approved by the board to be equivalent in academic credits to its regular program for psychiatric technician training, or (3) have completed a course of study and training which in the opinion of the board is equivalent to the minimum requirements of an approved program for psychiatric technicians in the state. Clinical inpatient experience shall be an integral part of any such prescribed or equivalent course of study and training.

(d) Have committed no act which, if committed by a licensed psychiatric technician, would be grounds for disciplinary action.