diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 0b0c25a..a85e348 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ install(FILES
 )
 
 # only build tests when top level and testing enabled
-if(CMAKE_PROJECT_NAME STREQUAL PROJECT_NAME)
+if(CMAKE_PROJECT_NAME STREQUAL PROJECT_NAME AND SIMPLEINI_BUILD_TESTS)
 	include(CTest)
 	if(BUILD_TESTING)
 		add_subdirectory(tests)