A one time programming (OTP) memory array is divided into a user section and a test section. The cells in the user section and in the test section are configured to form a checkerboard pattern, that is, having repeats of one user cell and one test cell in both column and row directions. Programming the test section and various additional tests are performed to both the user and test sections and other circuitry of the memory array while the user section is not programmed. Even though the OTP user section is not programmed or tested, the provided tests in accordance with embodiments of the invention can provide a very high probability that the OTP memory including the user section is of high quality, i.e., the OTP cells in the user section can be programmed and function appropriately.