diff --git a/tools/irc_tests.py b/tools/irc_tests.py
index 36387c32a4..c7a51c0060 100755
--- a/tools/irc_tests.py
+++ b/tools/irc_tests.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 # See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 # limitations under the License.
 
+import sys
 import yaml
 
 
@@ -51,4 +52,4 @@ def main():
     return errors
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
-    main()
+    sys.exit(main())