A programmable integrated circuit device includes a programmable core, a boot device configured to boot up the programmable core, and a one-time programmable memory module controlling life cycle states of the programmable integrated circuit device, including (i) an operational state during which programming resources of the programmable device are locked, and (ii) an inspection state in which the programming resources of the programmable device are accessible. The one-time programmable memory module is configured to allow unidirectional advance from the operational state to the inspection state, when authorized by a lock control circuit responsive to control signals from the boot device to authorize the unidirectional advance from the operational state to the inspection state. Authorization of the unidirectional advance may be limited to a time interval during a boot cycle of the programmable device. The unidirectional advance may be based on receipt of an authenticated request from a requester.