diff --git a/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix b/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix
index dde6ea28672..c772e34b379 100644
--- a/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix
+++ b/pkgs/top-level/python-packages.nix
@@ -8973,15 +8973,18 @@ in {
       sha256 = "0g5w1cira1bl9f2ji11cbr9daj947nrfydydymjp4bbxbpl2jnaq";
     };
 
-    doCheck = pythonOlder "3.5";
-
     buildInputs = with self; [
       decorator
       appdirs
       six
       numpy
+      pytest
     ];
 
+    checkPhase = ''
+      py.test -k 'not test_persistent_dict'
+    '';
+
     meta = {
       homepage = https://github.com/inducer/pytools/;
       description = "Miscellaneous Python lifesavers.";