Part 1 covers the OC curriculum online. Part 2 is the brief in-person practical portion that finishes your certification. Most students are done in about 30 minutes.

You are not required to be sprayed as part of this course. No federal or state law requires you to undergo exposure to OC, and exposure is not needed to pass.

What this session covers

• Handling and carrying your device safely
• Deployment from the ready position, and the patterns used in training
• Working distances — a minimum of three feet, with an effective range of roughly fifteen
• Decontamination and aftercare, including monitoring the subject afterwards

Why the certification matters

Texas DPS requires armed security officers to hold this certification before legally carrying pepper spray on duty. After completing both parts you receive your Pepper Spray Training Certificate (PSP PSC), which is issued separately from your Level III certificate.

The training must be the currently approved curriculum. Older pepper spray courses have been superseded and DPS will not issue a current certificate for training completed under the old material.

Course details

• Format: In person, about 30 minutes
• Prerequisite: OC Part 1 completed online. Pepper spray training is approved as a supplement to the Level III curriculum, so Level III training completion is also required
• Certificate: Pepper Spray Training Certificate (PSP PSC)

Price: $9.99

Common questions about OC Part 2

Will I be sprayed?
Not unless you choose to be. Exposure is at instructor discretion and is never required to pass.

Do I need to hold a commission?
What is required is completion of Level III training. You do not have to hold a commission, and commissioned officers do not need to repeat Level III to add the pepper spray certificate.

Is this the same as my Level III certificate?
No. A separate pepper spray certificate is issued.

Why is it so short?
The curriculum is covered online in Part 1. Part 2 confirms the practical element in person, which takes about 30 minutes.