diff --git a/src/systemc/tests/verify.py b/src/systemc/tests/verify.py
index e98f2191af..26183b5bb2 100755
--- a/src/systemc/tests/verify.py
+++ b/src/systemc/tests/verify.py
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ class CompilePhase(TestPhaseBase):
 
     def run(self, tests):
         targets = list([test.full_path() for test in tests])
-        scons_args = list(self.args) + targets
+        scons_args = [ 'USE_SYSTEMC=1' ] + list(self.args) + targets
         scons(*scons_args)
 
 class RunPhase(TestPhaseBase):