diff --git a/test_suite.py b/test_suite.py
index c60384a..1d04708 100644
--- a/test_suite.py
+++ b/test_suite.py
@@ -33,12 +33,19 @@ def group(name: str) -> None:
     print(f"{'-'*60}")
 
 
+class _SkipTest(Exception):
+    pass
+
+
 def test(name: str, fn) -> None:
-    global _passed, _failed
+    global _passed, _failed, _skipped
     try:
         fn()
         print(f"  [PASS]  {name}")
         _passed += 1
+    except _SkipTest as exc:
+        print(f"  [SKIP]  {name}  ({exc})")
+        _skipped += 1
     except Exception as exc:
         print(f"  [FAIL]  {name}")
         for line in traceback.format_exc().splitlines():
@@ -1323,7 +1330,7 @@ def _test_comparison_json_consistent_with_html():
     html_dir = Path(__file__).parent / "modlist_html"
     json_file = Path(__file__).parent / "modlist_json" / "comparison.json"
     if not json_file.exists():
-        raise AssertionError(f"comparison.json not found: {json_file}")
+        raise _SkipTest("comparison.json not found (run pipeline first)")
 
     presets = parse_modlist_dir(html_dir)
     fresh = compare_presets(*presets)