After a short historical review covering the past 150 years, different aspects of training and practice are considered. Prominent institutes, men and women who have made significant contributions to neuropathology are considered although those still living are not included. There are those countries with neuropathology as a speciality, countries with subspecialty and those countries without neuropathology as a speciality or subspeciality. In order to harmonize teaching, training, examinations and regulations, EURO-CNS (European Confederation of Neuropathological Societies) was founded in 1993. This allowed the recognition of the training charter of neuropathology by the Board of Pathology (1998), the organization of European courses and European congresses, and the achievement of concerted actions simultaneously, recognition of the subspecialty of Neuropathology by the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes) Council was obtained in 1997. Data relating to the current position of neuropathology are included and the future of education and the challenges facing neuropathology are discussed.