diff --git a/ipatests/test_integration/test_replica_promotion.py b/ipatests/test_integration/test_replica_promotion.py
index 846913c8a..84c03de15 100644
--- a/ipatests/test_integration/test_replica_promotion.py
+++ b/ipatests/test_integration/test_replica_promotion.py
@@ -1030,6 +1030,9 @@ class TestHiddenReplicaPromotion(IntegrationTest):
             stdin_text=dirman_password + '\nyes'
         )
 
+        # wait for the replica to be available
+        tasks.wait_for_ipa_to_start(self.replicas[0])
+
         # give replication some time
         time.sleep(5)
         tasks.kinit_admin(self.replicas[0])