diff --git a/tests/smoke/uat-smoke.spec.mjs b/tests/smoke/uat-smoke.spec.mjs
index bde4da8..0b32aa1 100644
--- a/tests/smoke/uat-smoke.spec.mjs
+++ b/tests/smoke/uat-smoke.spec.mjs
@@ -183,8 +183,10 @@ test("public API and disposable learner journey", async () => {
     const { data: cases } = await call("/api/ccs/cases", { token });
     expect(Array.isArray(cases)).toBeTruthy();
     expect(cases.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+    const managementCase = cases.find((item) => item.experienceMode === "management");
+    expect(managementCase, "UAT requires a published management CCS case for the smoke journey").toBeTruthy();
     const { data: attempt } = await call("/api/ccs/attempts", {
-      method: "POST", token, body: { caseExternalId: "", mode: "timed" }
+      method: "POST", token, body: { caseExternalId: managementCase.externalId, mode: "timed" }
     });
     activeCcsAttempt = attempt.id;
     expect(activeCcsAttempt).toBeTruthy();
@@ -204,6 +206,8 @@ test("public API and disposable learner journey", async () => {
       }
     });
     expect(opened.openingCompleted).toBe(true);
+    expect(Array.isArray(opened.availableExams)).toBeTruthy();
+    expect(opened.availableExams.length, "management CCS smoke case must expose at least one exam").toBeGreaterThan(0);
     const exam = opened.availableExams[0];
     const { data: examined } = await call(`/api/ccs/attempts/${activeCcsAttempt}/commands/batch`, {
       method: "POST", token, body: {