diff --git a/exercises/sec_groups.sh b/exercises/sec_groups.sh
index eb32cc7..d71a1e0 100755
--- a/exercises/sec_groups.sh
+++ b/exercises/sec_groups.sh
@@ -33,6 +33,10 @@
 # Import exercise configuration
 source $TOP_DIR/exerciserc
 
+# If nova api is not enabled we exit with exitcode 55 so that
+# the exercise is skipped
+is_service_enabled n-api || exit 55
+
 # Skip if the hypervisor is Docker
 [[ "$VIRT_DRIVER" == "docker" ]] && exit 55