Flash memory checking status register at block unit and method thereof

A flash memory capable of checking a status register in a block unit during programming and a method thereof are provided to shorten a test time needed for a NAND flash memory by reducing the number of operations for reading the status register. A status register(670) stores a program verification result during a programming operation for programming a selected page. A status register accumulator(660) accumulates the program result of each page included in a selected memory block during sequential page programming operation for sequentially programming the pages included in a memory block selected from a flash memory. The sequential page programming operation comprises a programming section and a program verification section. A programming result of the page is accumulated to the status register accumulator during the program verification section. A read/write circuit controls read/write operations of the flash memory. A control logic circuit(650) outputs the result for the read/write operations of the flash memory. A row selection circuit(640) supplies program voltage to a selected word line and pass voltage to a non-selected word line.