Abstract: A method for programming in parallel reference cells to be used for operating other cells of a memory cell array, the method including: a) reading each of the reference cells of a memory cell array with a sense amplifier, the sense amplifier providing an output indicative of a programmed state of the reference cell relative to another bit in the array, b) reading each of the reference cells of a memory cell array with a sense amplifier while using read conditions to determine if the reference cells have reached a target level, c) determining if a programming pulse should be applied to the reference cell by comparing the output of the sense amplifier to a predefined target “0” or “1”, d) setting a buffer bit, corresponding to the output of the sense amplifier, in a sticky bit buffer to a first logical state if the reference cell needs to be programmed, and not changing a logical state of the buffer bit if the reference cell does not need to be programmed, e) performing steps a)-d) for a desired address range i