diff --git a/tests/test_ems.py b/tests/test_ems.py
index c2f5d7a8..4a9e4a4c 100644
--- a/tests/test_ems.py
+++ b/tests/test_ems.py
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ def test_ems_err_on_bad_broker(
         # NOTE: emsd should error on the actor's enabled modules
         # import phase, when looking for a backend named `doggy`.
         except tractor.RemoteActorError as re:
-            assert re.type == ModuleNotFoundError
+            assert re.type is ModuleNotFoundError
 
     run_and_tollerate_cancels(load_bad_fqme)