diff --git a/src/keria/app/agenting.py b/src/keria/app/agenting.py
index 7876073b..9ecdc1cf 100644
--- a/src/keria/app/agenting.py
+++ b/src/keria/app/agenting.py
@@ -890,8 +890,8 @@ def on_post(self, req, rep):
         caid = icp.pre
 
         if self.agency.get(caid=caid) is not None:
-            raise falcon.HTTPBadRequest(title="agent already exists",
-                                        description=f"agent for controller {caid} already exists")
+            raise falcon.HTTPConflict(title="agent already exists",
+                                      description=f"agent for controller {caid} already exists")
 
         agent = self.agency.create(caid=caid)
 
diff --git a/tests/app/test_agenting.py b/tests/app/test_agenting.py
index 2a31c2c5..c6ef6593 100644
--- a/tests/app/test_agenting.py
+++ b/tests/app/test_agenting.py
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ def test_boot_ends(helpers):
     assert rep.status_code == 202
 
     rep = client.simulate_post("/boot", body=json.dumps(body).encode("utf-8"))
-    assert rep.status_code == 400
+    assert rep.status_code == 409
     assert rep.json == {
         'title': 'agent already exists',
         'description': 'agent for controller EK35JRNdfVkO4JwhXaSTdV4qzB_ibk_tGJmSVcY4pZqx already exists'