Various embodiments include a memory device that is capable of performing write training operations. Prior approaches for write training involve storing a long data pattern into the memory followed by reading the long data pattern to determine whether the data was written to memory correctly. Instead, the disclosed memory device stores a first data pattern (e.g., in a FIFO memory within the memory device) or generates the first data pattern (e.g., using PRBS) that is compared with a second data pattern being transmitted to the memory device by an external memory controller. If data patterns match, then the memory device stores a pass status in a register, otherwise a fail status is stored in the register. The memory controller reads the register to determine whether the write training passed or failed.