diff --git a/src/python_testing/TC_OpstateCommon.py b/src/python_testing/TC_OpstateCommon.py
index edc72f253eead5..45d5b0918a76f2 100644
--- a/src/python_testing/TC_OpstateCommon.py
+++ b/src/python_testing/TC_OpstateCommon.py
@@ -1264,8 +1264,8 @@ async def TEST_TC_OPSTATE_BASE_2_6(self, endpoint=1):
         sub_handler = ClusterAttributeChangeAccumulator(cluster)
         await sub_handler.start(self.default_controller, self.dut_node_id, endpoint)
 
-        self.step(3)
         if self.pics_guard(self.check_pics(f"{self.test_info.pics_code}.S.M.ST_RUNNING")):
+            self.step(3)
             self.send_manual_or_pipe_command(name="OperationalStateChange",
                                              device=self.device,
                                              operation="Start")