diff --git a/tests/python_for_tests/marbl_testing_class.py b/tests/python_for_tests/marbl_testing_class.py
index 71d9e380..33eb9f06 100644
--- a/tests/python_for_tests/marbl_testing_class.py
+++ b/tests/python_for_tests/marbl_testing_class.py
@@ -142,7 +142,10 @@ def build_lib(self, loc_compiler=None):
     makecmd = 'make %s' % loc_compiler
     if self._mpitasks > 0:
       makecmd += ' USEMPI=TRUE'
-    sh_command('cd %s; %s' % (src_dir, makecmd))
+    status_code = sh_command('cd %s; %s' % (src_dir, makecmd))
+    if status_code != 0:
+        logging.error("ERROR building MARBL library")
+        sys.exit(1)
 
   # -----------------------------------------------
 
@@ -160,7 +163,10 @@ def build_exe(self, loc_compiler=None):
     makecmd = 'make %s' % loc_compiler
     if self._mpitasks > 0:
       makecmd += ' USEMPI=TRUE'
-    sh_command('cd %s; %s' % (drv_dir, makecmd))
+    status_code = sh_command('cd %s; %s' % (drv_dir, makecmd))
+    if status_code != 0:
+        logging.error("ERROR building MARBL stand-alone driver")
+        sys.exit(1)
 
   # -----------------------------------------------
 
@@ -205,7 +211,7 @@ def run_exe(self):
     status_code = sh_command(execmd)
     if status_code != 0:
         logging.error("ERROR in executable")
-        sys.exit(status_code)
+        sys.exit(1)
 
   # -----------------------------------------------
   # PRIVATE ROUTINES