The ACPNF was established in 1992 as an independent organization to oversee and establish the requirements for fellowship training in pediatric neurological surgery. The ACPNF has representatives from pediatric neurosurgery, child neurology and pediatric critical care. It functions in a similar manner to the Residency Review Committee (RRC) for neurosurgical residency training programs.

Pediatric neurosurgery fellowship training programs are required to have a minimum of two pediatric neurosurgeons in order to qualify. At least one must be board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery (ABPNS). The second neurosurgeon must either have ABPNS certification or be board eligible and on the path to certification by the ABPNS.

Fellowship programs are inspected at least every five years or whenever there is a change in the program director. The program must maintain a minimum case load of 400 cases/year and be affiliated with an approved neurosurgical residency training program. Other requirements include appropriate exposure to child neurology, pediatric critical care, pediatric neuroradiology, pediatric anesthesia, pediatric surgery and neuropathology.