Devices and methods for competency training and use authorization for dispensing an agent are described, which include: an agent-dispensing device including a reservoir configured to store agents, a controllable agent-dispensing mechanism in communication with the reservoir, a locking mechanism coupled to the controllable agent-dispensing mechanism, a microprocessor including circuitry, use sensors to monitor at least one operational step for use of the agent-dispensing device, training circuitry configured to train the user and to assign a value for each of the monitored at least one operational step for use of the agent-dispensing device, verification circuitry configured to determine if the assigned value for each of the monitored at least one operational step for use of the agent-dispensing device meets or exceeds a pre-defined performance threshold, and activation circuitry responsive to the verification circuitry and configured to deactivate the locking mechanism to allow dispensing of agents if the assigned value meets or exceeds the pre-defined performance threshold.