diff --git a/irctest/server_tests/test_statusmsg.py b/irctest/server_tests/test_statusmsg.py
index 5fa2ac3..2cc9c60 100644
--- a/irctest/server_tests/test_statusmsg.py
+++ b/irctest/server_tests/test_statusmsg.py
@@ -27,9 +27,6 @@ class StatusmsgTestCase(cases.BaseServerTestCase):
         self.connectClient("schmoe")
         self.sendLine(3, "join #chan")
 
-        self.sendLine(1, "MODE #chan +o schmoe")
-        self.getMessages(1)
-
         messages = self.getMessages(3)
         names = set()
         for message in messages:
@@ -40,6 +37,9 @@ class StatusmsgTestCase(cases.BaseServerTestCase):
             names, {"@chanop", "joe", "schmoe"}, f"unexpected names: {names}"
         )
 
+        self.sendLine(1, "MODE #chan +o schmoe")
+        self.getMessages(1)
+
         self.getMessages(3)
         self.sendLine(3, "privmsg @#chan :this message is for operators")
         self.assertEqual(