Abstract: A method for accessing a control register in a data processing system which ignores a first write to sensitive control bits when in a first mode, but allows subsequent writes to the sensitive control bits. When operating in a user mode, the method allows a first write to the sensitive control bits, but does not allow any subsequent writes. When a write access is made to the sensitive control bits during test mode only non-initial writes are effective. When a write access is made to the sensitive control bits during user mode only an initial write is effective. The method is effective in a data processing system having a control register write access scheme.