diff --git a/t/t1027-mf-priority-issue376.t b/t/t1027-mf-priority-issue376.t
index 1b407aa59..4c617902e 100755
--- a/t/t1027-mf-priority-issue376.t
+++ b/t/t1027-mf-priority-issue376.t
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ test_expect_success 'submit job for testing' '
 
 test_expect_success 'update of duration of pending job works while at active jobs limit' '
 	flux update $jobid1 duration=1m &&
+	flux job wait-event -vt 10 $jobid1 priority &&
 	flux job eventlog $jobid1 \
 		| grep jobspec-update \
 		| grep duration=60