diff --git a/tensorflow/contrib/learn/python/learn/estimators/dnn_linear_combined_test.py b/tensorflow/contrib/learn/python/learn/estimators/dnn_linear_combined_test.py
index 850dd356c12..57e70e169ca 100644
--- a/tensorflow/contrib/learn/python/learn/estimators/dnn_linear_combined_test.py
+++ b/tensorflow/contrib/learn/python/learn/estimators/dnn_linear_combined_test.py
@@ -1042,9 +1042,15 @@ class DNNLinearCombinedClassifierTest(test.TestCase):
         dnn_hidden_units=[3, 3],
         fix_global_step_increment_bug=False)
     classifier.fit(input_fn=input_fn, steps=100, monitors=[step_counter])
+    global_step = classifier.get_variable_value('global_step')
 
-    # Expected is 100, but because of the global step increment bug, this is 50.
-    self.assertEqual(50, step_counter.steps)
+    if global_step == 100:
+      # Expected is 100, but because of the global step increment bug, is 50.
+      self.assertEqual(50, step_counter.steps)
+    else:
+      # Occasionally, training stops when global_step == 101, due to a race
+      # condition.
+      self.assertEqual(51, step_counter.steps)
 
   def testGlobalStepDNNLinearCombinedBugFixed(self):
     """Tests global step update for dnn-linear combined model."""