What causes dbt Built-in Test Override Error?

A macro file in `macros/` defines `test_not_null`, `test_unique`, etc., overriding the dbt built-in. An installed dbt package defines a generic test with the same name as a built-in. Team member created a custom test thinking it would augment rather than replace the built-in. Renaming a package test file introduced a name collision with a built-in

How do I fix dbt Built-in Test Override Error?

Search for conflicting macro names: `grep -r 'macro test_not_null\|macro test_unique\|macro test_accepted_values\|macro test_relationships' macros/`. Rename the conflicting custom test macro to avoid the built-in namespace. Run `dbt debug` and `dbt compile` to verify the correct test macro is being resolved. Use `--debug` to see macro dispatch logs confirming which macro version is being used. If the override is intentional (replacing a built-in), document it clearly and ensure the replacement handles all the same edge cases

Medium severityconfiguration

Power BI Refresh Error:
dbt Built-in Test Override Error

What does this error mean?

A custom generic test in the project or a package has the same name as a dbt built-in test (not_null, unique, accepted_values, relationships). dbt may use the wrong test definition, producing incorrect behaviour or a compilation error.

Common causes

1A macro file in `macros/` defines `test_not_null`, `test_unique`, etc., overriding the dbt built-in
2An installed dbt package defines a generic test with the same name as a built-in
3Team member created a custom test thinking it would augment rather than replace the built-in
4Renaming a package test file introduced a name collision with a built-in

How to fix it

1Search for conflicting macro names: `grep -r 'macro test_not_null\|macro test_unique\|macro test_accepted_values\|macro test_relationships' macros/`
2Rename the conflicting custom test macro to avoid the built-in namespace
3Run `dbt debug` and `dbt compile` to verify the correct test macro is being resolved
4Use `--debug` to see macro dispatch logs confirming which macro version is being used
5If the override is intentional (replacing a built-in), document it clearly and ensure the replacement handles all the same edge cases

Frequently asked questions

How do I find all generic tests defined in my dbt project?

Run `grep -r 'macro test_' macros/` in your dbt project root. Any macro prefixed with `test_` is registered as a generic test and could conflict with built-ins if the name matches.