diff --git a/test/common/config/pkgdep/git b/test/common/config/pkgdep/git
index 98fdc64b6..2b342811d 100644
--- a/test/common/config/pkgdep/git
+++ b/test/common/config/pkgdep/git
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ function install_qat() {
 
 	(cd "$GIT_REPOS/QAT" && sudo ./configure --enable-icp-sriov=host && sudo make install)
 
-	if sudo service qat_service start; then
+	if ! sudo service qat_service start; then
 		echo "failed to start the qat service. Something may be wrong with your device or package."
 	fi
 }