diff --git a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/border_router/test_publish_meshcop_service.py b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/border_router/test_publish_meshcop_service.py
index a747bbb52..d422e7546 100755
--- a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/border_router/test_publish_meshcop_service.py
+++ b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/border_router/test_publish_meshcop_service.py
@@ -110,8 +110,23 @@ class PublishMeshCopService(thread_cert.TestCase):
         # check Meshcop-e service
         self.check_meshcop_e_service(host, True)
 
-        # deactivate ePSKc mode
-        br1.deactivate_ephemeral_key_mode()
+        # deactivate ePSKc mode in force
+        br1.deactivate_ephemeral_key_mode(retain_active_session=False)
+        self.assertEqual(br1.get_ephemeral_key_state(), 'inactive')
+        self.simulator.go(10)
+        # check Meshcop-e service
+        self.check_meshcop_e_service(host, False)
+
+        # activate ePSKc mode by default lifetime
+        lifetime = 0
+        ephemeral_key = br1.activate_ephemeral_key_mode(lifetime)
+        self.assertEqual(len(ephemeral_key), 9)
+        self.assertEqual(br1.get_ephemeral_key_state(), 'active')
+        # check Meshcop-e service
+        self.check_meshcop_e_service(host, True)
+
+        # deactivate ePSKc mode NOT in force
+        br1.deactivate_ephemeral_key_mode(retain_active_session=True)
         self.assertEqual(br1.get_ephemeral_key_state(), 'inactive')
         self.simulator.go(10)
         # check Meshcop-e service
diff --git a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/node.py b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/node.py
index 75a545339..b64b99d72 100755
--- a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/node.py
+++ b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/node.py
@@ -425,8 +425,8 @@ class OtbrDocker:
     def activate_ephemeral_key_mode(self, lifetime):
         return self.call_dbus_method('io.openthread.BorderRouter', 'ActivateEphemeralKeyMode', lifetime)
 
-    def deactivate_ephemeral_key_mode(self):
-        return self.call_dbus_method('io.openthread.BorderRouter', 'DeactivateEphemeralKeyMode')
+    def deactivate_ephemeral_key_mode(self, retain_active_session):
+        return self.call_dbus_method('io.openthread.BorderRouter', 'DeactivateEphemeralKeyMode', retain_active_session)
 
     @property
     def nat64_cidr(self):