diff --git a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_5_1_09_REEDAttachConnectivity.py b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_5_1_09_REEDAttachConnectivity.py
index 67739afdb..7eef2474e 100755
--- a/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_5_1_09_REEDAttachConnectivity.py
+++ b/tests/scripts/thread-cert/Cert_5_1_09_REEDAttachConnectivity.py
@@ -97,19 +97,16 @@ class Cert_5_1_09_REEDAttachConnectivity(unittest.TestCase):
         self.simulator.go(5)
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[LEADER].get_state(), 'leader')
 
-        self.nodes[ROUTER1].start()
+        for i in range(2, 5):
+            self.nodes[i].start()
+
         self.simulator.go(5)
+
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[ROUTER1].get_state(), 'router')
-
-        self.nodes[REED0].start()
-        self.simulator.go(5)
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[REED0].get_state(), 'child')
-
-        self.nodes[REED1].start()
-        self.simulator.go(5)
         self.assertEqual(self.nodes[REED1].get_state(), 'child')
 
-        self.simulator.go(10)
+        self.simulator.go(config.MAX_ADVERTISEMENT_INTERVAL)
 
         self.nodes[ROUTER2].start()
         self.simulator.go(10)