diff --git a/tests/python/contrib/test_cmsisnn/test_softmax.py b/tests/python/contrib/test_cmsisnn/test_softmax.py
index 4b4aa7094bc1c..708aa309aafa3 100644
--- a/tests/python/contrib/test_cmsisnn/test_softmax.py
+++ b/tests/python/contrib/test_cmsisnn/test_softmax.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 
 """CMSIS-NN integration tests: softmax"""
 
+import platform
 import sys
 import os
 import pathlib
@@ -108,6 +109,9 @@ def make_model(shape, in_dtype, out_dtype, zero_point, scale):
 valid_scale = 1.0 / 256
 
 
+@pytest.mark.skipif(
+    platform.machine() == "i686", reason="Reference system unavailable in i386 container"
+)
 def test_softmax_int8():
     interface_api = "c"
     use_unpacked_api = True