California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5001

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), each member of the board, except the public members, shall be actively engaged in the practice of public accountancy and shall have been so engaged for a period of not less than five years preceding the date of his appointment. Each member shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state for at least five years next preceding his appointment, and shall be of good character. Within 30 days after their appointment, the members of the board shall take and subscribe to the oath of office as prescribed by the Government Code and shall file the same with the Secretary of State.

(b) One licensee member appointed by the Governor may be an active educator within a program that emphasizes the study of accounting within a college, university, or four-year educational institution.