A method using compensation learning strategy for a diagnostic of an internal combustion engine component includes operating the component via an actuator command to establish a first operating parameter representative of a first mode of component operation. The method also includes identifying a drift in the first parameter negatively affecting the first mode of operation. The method additionally includes determining compensation to the actuator command to counteract the first parameter drift during the first mode of operation. The method also includes determining compensation to the first parameter using the determined actuator command compensation. The method additionally includes applying the determined parameter compensation directly to the first parameter. The method also includes operating the component using the actuator command to establish a second operating parameter representative of a second mode of component operation. Furthermore, the method includes identifying a drift in the second parameter negatively affecting the second mode of operation.