Education & Training Opportunities
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health offers many opportunities for education and training so restaurant and kitchen staff are trained in safe food handling practices.
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
The ServSafe®Food Protection Manager Certification class and exam fulfills the Certified Manager requirement outlined in the Michigan Food Law (MFL.289.2129). The class is approximately eight hours long, followed by an exam session. Students will learn in-depth food safety principles that will equip them to safely manage a kitchen. Cost is $150.00 and includes class, book, and exam.
All classes and exams will be held at the Department of Health & Human Services at the address below, except where noted on the schedule:
Ottawa County Department of Health & Human Services
12185 James Street
Holland, MI
Macatawa Conference Room
Register by calling (616) 393-5645.
ServSafe Schedule
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Tues, February 17, 2026 | 8:00 am - 2:00 pm | February 17 and 18 classes must be taken together. |
| Wed, February 18, 2026 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm | February 17 and 18 classes must be taken together. |
| Wed, April 8, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Class held at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. |
| Tues, May 12, 2026 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm | IN SPANISH ONLY! The May 12 and 13 classes must be taken together. Held at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. |
| Wed, May 13, 2026 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm | IN SPANISH ONLY! The May 12 and 13 classes must be taken together. Held at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. |
| Wed, June 17, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | |
| Wed, July 15, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | |
| Mon, August 10, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | |
| Mon, September 14, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | |
| Mon, December 7, 2026 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Restaurant Resilience:
Building Life & Communication Skills for Restaurant Staff
Restaurant Resilience is a free course created by local restaurant leaders to help you succeed at work and in life. In this four-hour program, you’ll learn how to communicate better, handle conflicts, and build stronger relationships with your team. Whether you work in the kitchen or the dining room, this course will give you practical skills to deal with everyday challenges and grow in your career. Choose one course to attend, or a trainer can come to your restaurant upon request.
All courses will be held at:
Ottawa County Administration Building
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI
Conference Room H
Park in Lot C, enter through building’s main entrance
Questions? Contact Sierra Scheutz at sschuetz@miottawa.org.
Restaurant Resilience Class Schedule
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Tues, January 26, 2026 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm | |
| Mon, March 30, 2026 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm | |
| Mon, June 8, 2026 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm |
Online Education & Training Opportunities
Access free food safety training courses to give restaurant staff and volunteers the information they need to keep food safe in any kitchen. Online courses can be completed on your schedule. To access the full library of courses or complete a course, create a free account here.
- Concession Stand – This course covers necessary food safety practices for concession stand volunteers and staff.
- Food Safety 101 – This course provides a basic education on proper food safety practices and is a great first step for any staff person entering a food establishment.
- Holding, Heating, and Cooling Safely – This course covers how to reheat, cool, and hold hot and cold foods safely to protect customer’s health.
- Handwashing – Effective handwashing is the most common health code violation. This course explains proper handwashing and it’s importance.
- Person in Charge – A Person in Charge is required by the Food Code and is a vitally important part of any food establishment. This course covers the responsibilities, and best practices, for any Person in Charge.
- Temporary License – This course covers how to obtain a mandatory Temporary Food License and covers how to prepare and serve food safely at an event open to the public or group.
- Shellstock – This course teaches the requirements and maintenance of shellstock tags and will review necessary shellstock food safety requirements.
- Anxiety and the Health Inspector – This course addresses the common stress that can occur at a food establishment when the Health Inspector arrives for a routine inspection. This course provides tips to reduce anxiety during inspections and explains the process of inspections.
Additional Opportunities
Additional food safety training may be available. For more information, please call OCDPH Environmental Health (616) 393-5645 or email eph@miottawa.org.