diff --git a/.github/workflows/deploy_docs.yml b/.github/workflows/deploy_docs.yml
index 4dbfd3fb9a..b7a2834745 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/deploy_docs.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/deploy_docs.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: deploy docs
+name: docs | deploy docs
 
 on:
   schedule:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml b/.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
index d0fd936e00..49c6a6aa0c 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: get docs changes
+name: util | get docs changes
 
 on:
   workflow_call:
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     outputs:
       changes_outside_docs: ${{ steps.check_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs }}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 317124f8c8..0c6ddcee73 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: lint
+name: lint | code & tests
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -14,10 +14,11 @@ concurrency:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
 
   run_lint:
-    name: Lint
+    name: lint
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
     strategy:
@@ -65,12 +66,6 @@ jobs:
           export PATH=$PATH:"/c/Program Files/usr/bin" # needed for Windows
           make lint
 
-      # - name: print envs
-      #   run: |
-      #     echo "The GitHub Actor's username is: $GITHUB_ACTOR"
-      #     echo "The GitHub repo owner is: $GITHUB_REPOSITORY_OWNER"
-      #     echo "The GitHub repo is: $GITHUB_REPOSITORY"
-
   matrix_job_required_check:
     name: Lint results
     needs: run_lint
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_airflow.yml b/.github/workflows/test_airflow.yml
index 02513618d6..8e3a9cf3d8 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_airflow.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_airflow.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: test airflow integration
+name: tools | airflow
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -13,10 +13,11 @@ concurrency:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
 
   run_airflow:
-    name: Tests Airflow integration
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_build_images.yml b/.github/workflows/test_build_images.yml
index 489d776f40..c9a99eda2d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_build_images.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_build_images.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: test build docker images
+name: tools | docker images
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -13,10 +13,11 @@ concurrency:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
 
   run_airflow:
-    name: Build alpine and airflow images
+    name: build
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
@@ -38,4 +39,4 @@ jobs:
           installer-parallel: true
 
       - name: Build images
-        run: make test-build-images
\ No newline at end of file
+        run: make test-build-images
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_common.yml b/.github/workflows/test_common.yml
index 2d96d2eb95..116d4e6b6a 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_common.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_common.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: test common
+name: common | common
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -16,10 +16,11 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
 
   run_common:
-    name: Tests common dlt code
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
     strategy:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_dbt_cloud.yml b/.github/workflows/test_dbt_cloud.yml
index a123e051e8..0f5c169e6e 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_dbt_cloud.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_dbt_cloud.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test dbt cloud
+name: tools | dbt cloud
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -22,22 +22,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_dbt_cloud:
-    name: Tests dbt cloud
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -70,21 +66,4 @@ jobs:
 
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/helpers/dbt_cloud_tests -k '(not venv)'
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
         name: Run dbt cloud - Linux/MAC
-      - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/helpers/dbt_cloud_tests -k "(not venv)"
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run dbt cloud - Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: dbt cloud tests
-    needs: run_dbt_cloud
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_dbt_runner.yml b/.github/workflows/test_dbt_runner.yml
index 1c425f14e9..0ca784a1ae 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_dbt_runner.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_dbt_runner.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test dbt runner
+name: tools | dbt runner
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -19,22 +19,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_dbt:
-    name: Tests dbt runner
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -84,21 +80,4 @@ jobs:
 
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/helpers/dbt_tests --ignore=tests/helpers/dbt_tests/local -k '(not local)'
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
         name: Run dbt runner with venv - Linux/MAC
-      - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/helpers/dbt_tests --ignore=tests/helpers/dbt_tests/local -m "not forked" -k "(not local)"
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run dbt runner with venv - Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: dbt runner tests
-    needs: run_dbt
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena.yml
index b94bdc6ee2..959fffcfd4 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test athena
+name: dest | athena
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -20,27 +22,23 @@ env:
   RUNTIME__DLTHUB_TELEMETRY_SEGMENT_WRITE_KEY: TLJiyRkGVZGCi2TtjClamXpFcxAA1rSB
   ACTIVE_DESTINATIONS: "[\"athena\"]"
   ALL_FILESYSTEM_DRIVERS: "[\"memory\"]"
-  EXCLUDED_DESTINATION_CONFIGURATIONS: "[\"athena-parquet-staging-iceberg\"]"
+  EXCLUDED_DESTINATION_CONFIGURATIONS: "[\"athena-parquet-staging-iceberg\", \"athena-parquet-no-staging-iceberg\"]"
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
     # Tests that require credentials do not run in forks
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: test destination athena
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -75,22 +73,11 @@ jobs:
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || !github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Redshift, PostgreSQL and DuckDB tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena_iceberg.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena_iceberg.yml
index acb5f35dfd..ea3cb3c06b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena_iceberg.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_athena_iceberg.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test athena iceberg
+name: dest | athena iceberg
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -20,27 +22,23 @@ env:
   RUNTIME__DLTHUB_TELEMETRY_SEGMENT_WRITE_KEY: TLJiyRkGVZGCi2TtjClamXpFcxAA1rSB
   ACTIVE_DESTINATIONS: "[\"athena\"]"
   ALL_FILESYSTEM_DRIVERS: "[\"memory\"]"
-  EXCLUDED_DESTINATION_CONFIGURATIONS: "[\"athena-no-staging\"]"
+  EXCLUDED_DESTINATION_CONFIGURATIONS: "[\"athena-no-staging\", \"athena-parquet-no-staging\"]"
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
     # Tests that require credentials do not run in forks
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: test destination athena iceberg
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -75,22 +73,11 @@ jobs:
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Redshift, PostgreSQL and DuckDB tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_bigquery.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_bigquery.yml
index d11f7155d4..95f7edfb4d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_bigquery.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_bigquery.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test bigquery
+name: dest | bigquery
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -23,22 +25,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: Tests BigQuery loader
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -57,12 +55,6 @@ jobs:
           virtualenvs-in-project: true
           installer-parallel: true
 
-      # - name: Get pip cache dir
-      #   id: pip-cache
-      #   run: |
-      #     echo "::set-output name=dir::$(poetry env info -p)"
-      #     echo "$(poetry env info -p)"
-
       - name: Load cached venv
         id: cached-poetry-dependencies
         uses: actions/cache@v3
@@ -77,24 +69,13 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: create secrets.toml
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
-
+  
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/helpers/providers tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/helpers/providers tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: BigQuery loader tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+          poetry run pytest tests/load
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_databricks.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_databricks.yml
index 2a2fa8e10d..95ce20fb90 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_databricks.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_databricks.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test databricks
+name: dest | databricks
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -23,22 +25,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: Tests Databricks loader
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -71,22 +69,11 @@ jobs:
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Databricks loader tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_mssql.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_mssql.yml
index f96c64219d..adf7437f1b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_mssql.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_mssql.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test MS SQL
+name: dest | mssql
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -24,21 +26,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: Tests MS SQL loader
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -74,23 +73,6 @@ jobs:
       - name: create secrets.toml
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
-      - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
-      - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: MS SQL loader tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+      # always run full suite, also on branches
+      - run: poetry run pytest tests/load
+        name: Run tests Linux
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_qdrant.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_qdrant.yml
index 3237801dbf..9131e9c62d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_qdrant.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_qdrant.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: test Qdrant
+name: dest | qdrant
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -22,22 +24,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: Tests Qdrant loader
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os:
-          - ubuntu-latest
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
       - name: Check out
@@ -67,17 +65,13 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: poetry install --no-interaction -E qdrant -E parquet --with sentry-sdk --with pipeline
+
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load/
-        name: Run tests Linux
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
 
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Qdrant loader tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+      - run: |
+          poetry run pytest tests/load
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_snowflake.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_snowflake.yml
index 1ef290682c..c46ca95a6b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_snowflake.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_snowflake.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test snowflake
+name: dest | snowflake
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -23,22 +25,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: Tests Snowflake loader
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -71,22 +69,11 @@ jobs:
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Snowflake loader tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destination_synapse.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destination_synapse.yml
index 774c83314f..997b0a2903 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destination_synapse.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destination_synapse.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: test synapse
+name: dest | synapse
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -22,21 +24,18 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: Tests Synapse loader
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
-    strategy:
-      fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -73,22 +72,11 @@ jobs:
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Synapse loader tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_destinations.yml b/.github/workflows/test_destinations.yml
index a635e2865c..a23f5f3f4d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_destinations.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_destinations.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: test redshift, postgres and filesystem buckets
+name: dest | redshift, postgres and fs
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ on:
       - master
       - devel
   workflow_dispatch:
+  schedule:
+    - cron:  '0 2 * * *'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.event.pull_request.number || github.ref }}
@@ -30,23 +32,21 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
     # Tests that require credentials do not run in forks
-    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
   run_loader:
-    name: test destinations redshift, postgres and filesystem
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
-      matrix:
-        os: ["ubuntu-latest"]
-        # os: ["ubuntu-latest", "macos-latest", "windows-latest"]
     defaults:
       run:
         shell: bash
-    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
 
     steps:
 
@@ -81,22 +81,11 @@ jobs:
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
       - run: |
-          poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os != 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Linux/MAC
+          poetry run pytest tests/load -m "essential"
+        name: Run essential tests Linux
+        if: ${{ ! (contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule')}}
+
       - run: |
           poetry run pytest tests/load
-        if: runner.os == 'Windows'
-        name: Run tests Windows
-        shell: cmd
-
-  matrix_job_required_check:
-    name: Redshift, PostgreSQL and DuckDB tests
-    needs: run_loader
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: always()
-    steps:
-      - name: Check matrix job results
-        if: contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')
-        run: |
-          echo "One or more matrix job tests failed or were cancelled. You may need to re-run them." && exit 1
+        name: Run all tests Linux
+        if: ${{ contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci full') || github.event_name == 'schedule'}}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_doc_snippets.yml b/.github/workflows/test_doc_snippets.yml
index bafbf4bbee..877ec0e530 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_doc_snippets.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_doc_snippets.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-name: docs snippet lint and test
+name: docs | snippets & examples
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -23,11 +23,14 @@ env:
   RUNTIME__SLACK_INCOMING_HOOK: ${{ secrets.RUNTIME__SLACK_INCOMING_HOOK }}
   # detect if the workflow is executed in a repo fork
   IS_FORK: ${{ github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork }}
+
 jobs:
 
   run_lint:
-    name: Runs linter and tests on docs snippets
+    name: lint and test
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    # Do not run on forks, unless allowed, secrets are used here
+    if: ${{ !github.event.pull_request.head.repo.fork || contains(github.event.pull_request.labels.*.name, 'ci from fork')}}
 
     steps:
 
diff --git a/.github/workflows/test_local_destinations.yml b/.github/workflows/test_local_destinations.yml
index 11377095d0..653b4dbd75 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test_local_destinations.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test_local_destinations.yml
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Tests destinations that can run without credentials.
 # i.e. local postgres, duckdb, filesystem (with local fs/memory bucket)
 
-name: test local destinations
+name: dest | postgres, duckdb and fs
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -25,10 +25,11 @@ env:
 
 jobs:
   get_docs_changes:
+    name: docs changes
     uses: ./.github/workflows/get_docs_changes.yml
 
   run_loader:
-    name: test destinations postgres, duckdb and filesystem
+    name: test
     needs: get_docs_changes
     if: needs.get_docs_changes.outputs.changes_outside_docs == 'true'
     strategy:
@@ -86,10 +87,11 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: poetry install --no-interaction -E postgres -E duckdb -E parquet -E filesystem -E cli -E weaviate --with sentry-sdk --with pipeline
-
+      
       - name: create secrets.toml
         run: pwd && echo "$DLT_SECRETS_TOML" > tests/.dlt/secrets.toml
 
+      # always run full suite, also on branches
       - run: poetry run pytest tests/load && poetry run pytest tests/cli
         name: Run tests Linux
         env:
diff --git a/pytest.ini b/pytest.ini
index 0f9f6ab0d8..f3a85576ac 100644
--- a/pytest.ini
+++ b/pytest.ini
@@ -7,4 +7,6 @@ log_cli= 1
 log_cli_level= INFO
 python_files = test_*.py *_test.py *snippets.py *snippet.pytest
 python_functions = *_test test_* *_snippet
-filterwarnings= ignore::DeprecationWarning
\ No newline at end of file
+filterwarnings= ignore::DeprecationWarning
+markers =
+    essential: marks all essential tests
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/load/athena_iceberg/test_athena_iceberg.py b/tests/load/athena_iceberg/test_athena_iceberg.py
index 6804b98427..0b8ca9c6ff 100644
--- a/tests/load/athena_iceberg/test_athena_iceberg.py
+++ b/tests/load/athena_iceberg/test_athena_iceberg.py
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@
 from tests.utils import skip_if_not_active
 from dlt.destinations.exceptions import DatabaseTerminalException
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
 
 skip_if_not_active("athena")
 
diff --git a/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_client.py b/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_client.py
index a97b612ad0..b16790b07d 100644
--- a/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_client.py
@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@
     cm_yield_client_with_storage,
 )
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(scope="module")
 def client() -> Iterator[BigQueryClient]:
diff --git a/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_table_builder.py b/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_table_builder.py
index fd58a6e033..dee7934216 100644
--- a/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/bigquery/test_bigquery_table_builder.py
@@ -33,6 +33,9 @@
 )
 from tests.load.utils import TABLE_UPDATE, sequence_generator, empty_schema
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 def test_configuration() -> None:
     os.environ["MYBG__CREDENTIALS__CLIENT_EMAIL"] = "1234"
diff --git a/tests/load/databricks/test_databricks_configuration.py b/tests/load/databricks/test_databricks_configuration.py
index 8d30d05e42..cc353f5894 100644
--- a/tests/load/databricks/test_databricks_configuration.py
+++ b/tests/load/databricks/test_databricks_configuration.py
@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@
 from dlt.common.configuration import resolve_configuration
 from tests.utils import preserve_environ
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 def test_databricks_credentials_to_connector_params():
     os.environ["CREDENTIALS__SERVER_HOSTNAME"] = "my-databricks.example.com"
diff --git a/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_client.py b/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_client.py
index 3deed7a77d..6cfb77d613 100644
--- a/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_client.py
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@
 from tests.load.pipeline.utils import drop_pipeline, assert_table
 from tests.utils import patch_home_dir, autouse_test_storage, preserve_environ, TEST_STORAGE_ROOT
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
 def delete_default_duckdb_credentials() -> Iterator[None]:
diff --git a/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_table_builder.py b/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_table_builder.py
index 542b18993c..d5e8ab59be 100644
--- a/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/duckdb/test_duckdb_table_builder.py
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@
 
 from tests.load.utils import TABLE_UPDATE, empty_schema
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def client(empty_schema: Schema) -> DuckDbClient:
diff --git a/tests/load/duckdb/test_motherduck_client.py b/tests/load/duckdb/test_motherduck_client.py
index ba60e0de6d..c1444eb87e 100644
--- a/tests/load/duckdb/test_motherduck_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/duckdb/test_motherduck_client.py
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@
 
 from tests.utils import patch_home_dir, preserve_environ, skip_if_not_active
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 skip_if_not_active("motherduck")
 
 
diff --git a/tests/load/filesystem/test_aws_credentials.py b/tests/load/filesystem/test_aws_credentials.py
index 62c2e3cd85..1a41144744 100644
--- a/tests/load/filesystem/test_aws_credentials.py
+++ b/tests/load/filesystem/test_aws_credentials.py
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@
 from tests.load.utils import ALL_FILESYSTEM_DRIVERS
 from tests.utils import preserve_environ, autouse_test_storage
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 if "s3" not in ALL_FILESYSTEM_DRIVERS:
     pytest.skip("s3 filesystem driver not configured", allow_module_level=True)
 
diff --git a/tests/load/filesystem/test_azure_credentials.py b/tests/load/filesystem/test_azure_credentials.py
index 093cd6dd19..467ba55a4f 100644
--- a/tests/load/filesystem/test_azure_credentials.py
+++ b/tests/load/filesystem/test_azure_credentials.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@
 from tests.common.configuration.utils import environment
 from tests.utils import preserve_environ, autouse_test_storage
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 if "az" not in ALL_FILESYSTEM_DRIVERS:
     pytest.skip("az filesystem driver not configured", allow_module_level=True)
 
diff --git a/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_client.py b/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_client.py
index 9948e26882..5d6dbe33ef 100644
--- a/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_client.py
@@ -15,6 +15,9 @@
 from tests.utils import clean_test_storage, init_test_logging
 from tests.utils import preserve_environ, autouse_test_storage
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
 def storage() -> FileStorage:
diff --git a/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_common.py b/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_common.py
index 4c94766097..193ff0921b 100644
--- a/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_common.py
+++ b/tests/load/filesystem/test_filesystem_common.py
@@ -20,6 +20,10 @@
 from tests.common.configuration.utils import environment
 
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
+
 @with_config(spec=FilesystemConfiguration, sections=("destination", "filesystem"))
 def get_config(config: FilesystemConfiguration = None) -> FilesystemConfiguration:
     return config
@@ -52,7 +56,7 @@ def check_file_exists():
     def check_file_changed():
         details = filesystem.info(file_url)
         assert details["size"] == 11
-        assert (MTIME_DISPATCH[config.protocol](details) - now).seconds < 120
+        assert (MTIME_DISPATCH[config.protocol](details) - now).seconds < 200
 
     bucket_url = os.environ["DESTINATION__FILESYSTEM__BUCKET_URL"]
     config = get_config()
diff --git a/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_credentials.py b/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_credentials.py
index 0e38791f22..7d49196531 100644
--- a/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_credentials.py
+++ b/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_credentials.py
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@
 
 from dlt.destinations.impl.mssql.configuration import MsSqlCredentials
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 def test_mssql_credentials_defaults() -> None:
     creds = MsSqlCredentials()
diff --git a/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_table_builder.py b/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_table_builder.py
index 1b4a77a2ab..f7a87c14ee 100644
--- a/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/mssql/test_mssql_table_builder.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@
 
 from tests.load.utils import TABLE_UPDATE, empty_schema
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def client(empty_schema: Schema) -> MsSqlClient:
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_arrow_loading.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_arrow_loading.py
index 59cd90c535..6ec09c2ccd 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_arrow_loading.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_arrow_loading.py
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@
 from tests.utils import preserve_environ
 from tests.cases import arrow_table_all_data_types, TArrowFormat
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_athena.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_athena.py
index 9c17be318f..845f9b8a27 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_athena.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_athena.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@
 
 from tests.load.pipeline.utils import destinations_configs, DestinationTestConfiguration
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_bigquery.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_bigquery.py
index 711d45fb1f..68533a5d43 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_bigquery.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_bigquery.py
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@
 from tests.load.pipeline.utils import destinations_configs, DestinationTestConfiguration
 from tests.load.utils import delete_dataset
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_merge_disposition.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_merge_disposition.py
index 19ee9a34c8..fc6b82d1f4 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_merge_disposition.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_merge_disposition.py
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 # ACTIVE_DESTINATIONS += ["motherduck"]
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
@@ -153,6 +154,7 @@ def load_issues():
     return load_issues
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_pipelines.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_pipelines.py
index 017bef2c01..ea03fa91f1 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_pipelines.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_pipelines.py
@@ -43,6 +43,9 @@
 )
 from tests.load.pipeline.utils import destinations_configs, DestinationTestConfiguration
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_redshift.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_redshift.py
index 44234ec64b..40e13f1a4c 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_redshift.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_redshift.py
@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@
 from tests.cases import table_update_and_row, assert_all_data_types_row
 from tests.pipeline.utils import assert_load_info
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_replace_disposition.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_replace_disposition.py
index a69d4440dc..6efde6e019 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_replace_disposition.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_replace_disposition.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 )
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
     destinations_configs(
diff --git a/tests/load/pipeline/test_restore_state.py b/tests/load/pipeline/test_restore_state.py
index e50654adcc..d421819121 100644
--- a/tests/load/pipeline/test_restore_state.py
+++ b/tests/load/pipeline/test_restore_state.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ def duckdb_pipeline_location() -> None:
         del os.environ["DESTINATION__DUCKDB__CREDENTIALS"]
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "destination_config",
     destinations_configs(
diff --git a/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_client.py b/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_client.py
index 896e449b28..a0fbd85b5b 100644
--- a/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_client.py
@@ -15,6 +15,9 @@
 from tests.load.utils import expect_load_file, prepare_table, yield_client_with_storage
 from tests.common.configuration.utils import environment
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def file_storage() -> FileStorage:
diff --git a/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_table_builder.py b/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_table_builder.py
index 0ab1343a3b..9362b44e18 100644
--- a/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/postgres/test_postgres_table_builder.py
@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@
 
 from tests.load.utils import TABLE_UPDATE, empty_schema
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def client(empty_schema: Schema) -> PostgresClient:
diff --git a/tests/load/qdrant/test_pipeline.py b/tests/load/qdrant/test_pipeline.py
index 4c1361dcca..fcc8fcbd71 100644
--- a/tests/load/qdrant/test_pipeline.py
+++ b/tests/load/qdrant/test_pipeline.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@
 from tests.load.qdrant.utils import drop_active_pipeline_data, assert_collection
 from tests.load.utils import sequence_generator
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
 def drop_qdrant_data() -> Iterator[None]:
diff --git a/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_client.py b/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_client.py
index f5efc16a47..03bb57c3b4 100644
--- a/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_client.py
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@
 from tests.utils import TEST_STORAGE_ROOT, autouse_test_storage, skipifpypy
 from tests.load.utils import expect_load_file, prepare_table, yield_client_with_storage
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def file_storage() -> FileStorage:
diff --git a/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_table_builder.py b/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_table_builder.py
index bc132c7818..2427bc7cfe 100644
--- a/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/redshift/test_redshift_table_builder.py
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@
 
 from tests.load.utils import TABLE_UPDATE, empty_schema
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def client(empty_schema: Schema) -> RedshiftClient:
diff --git a/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_configuration.py b/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_configuration.py
index d0ca4de41b..2add5c0017 100644
--- a/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_configuration.py
+++ b/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_configuration.py
@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@
 
 from tests.common.configuration.utils import environment
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 def test_connection_string_with_all_params() -> None:
     url = "snowflake://user1:pass1@host1/db1?warehouse=warehouse1&role=role1&private_key=cGs%3D&private_key_passphrase=paphr"
diff --git a/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_table_builder.py b/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_table_builder.py
index 5d7108803e..bdbe888fb5 100644
--- a/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/snowflake/test_snowflake_table_builder.py
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@
 
 from tests.load.utils import TABLE_UPDATE, empty_schema
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def snowflake_client(empty_schema: Schema) -> SnowflakeClient:
diff --git a/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_configuration.py b/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_configuration.py
index 4055cbab38..f366d87d09 100644
--- a/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_configuration.py
+++ b/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_configuration.py
@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@
     SynapseCredentials,
 )
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 def test_synapse_configuration() -> None:
     # By default, unique indexes should not be created.
diff --git a/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_builder.py b/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_builder.py
index 8575835820..9ee2ebe202 100644
--- a/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_builder.py
+++ b/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_builder.py
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@
     TABLE_INDEX_TYPE_TO_SYNAPSE_ATTR,
 )
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def client(empty_schema: Schema) -> SynapseClient:
diff --git a/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_indexing.py b/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_indexing.py
index df90933de4..71f419cbca 100644
--- a/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_indexing.py
+++ b/tests/load/synapse/test_synapse_table_indexing.py
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@
 )  # this import ensures all test data gets removed
 from tests.load.synapse.utils import get_storage_table_index_type
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
 
 TABLE_INDEX_TYPE_COLUMN_SCHEMA_PARAM_GRID = [
     ("heap", None),
diff --git a/tests/load/test_insert_job_client.py b/tests/load/test_insert_job_client.py
index e353ec34eb..c8ca284796 100644
--- a/tests/load/test_insert_job_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/test_insert_job_client.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ def file_storage() -> FileStorage:
 def client(request) -> Iterator[InsertValuesJobClient]:
     yield from yield_client_with_storage(request.param.destination)  # type: ignore[misc]
 
-
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client",
     destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True, subset=DEFAULT_SUBSET),
diff --git a/tests/load/test_job_client.py b/tests/load/test_job_client.py
index 2e23086f81..a5dfb5d829 100644
--- a/tests/load/test_job_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/test_job_client.py
@@ -156,6 +156,7 @@ def test_get_update_basic_schema(client: SqlJobClientBase) -> None:
     assert this_schema == newest_schema
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), indirect=True, ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
diff --git a/tests/load/test_sql_client.py b/tests/load/test_sql_client.py
index d82925a7d3..da162621b1 100644
--- a/tests/load/test_sql_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/test_sql_client.py
@@ -139,6 +139,7 @@ def test_malformed_execute_parameters(client: SqlJobClientBase) -> None:
         assert client.sql_client.is_dbapi_exception(term_ex.value.dbapi_exception)
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), indirect=True, ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
@@ -186,6 +187,7 @@ def test_execute_sql(client: SqlJobClientBase) -> None:
         assert len(rows) == 0
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), indirect=True, ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
@@ -204,6 +206,7 @@ def test_execute_ddl(client: SqlJobClientBase) -> None:
     assert rows[0][0] == Decimal("1.0")
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), indirect=True, ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
@@ -246,6 +249,7 @@ def test_execute_query(client: SqlJobClientBase) -> None:
             assert len(rows) == 0
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), indirect=True, ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
@@ -297,6 +301,7 @@ def test_execute_df(client: SqlJobClientBase) -> None:
     assert df_3 is None
 
 
+@pytest.mark.essential
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "client", destinations_configs(default_sql_configs=True), indirect=True, ids=lambda x: x.name
 )
diff --git a/tests/load/weaviate/test_naming.py b/tests/load/weaviate/test_naming.py
index 290879cb67..613582e9f8 100644
--- a/tests/load/weaviate/test_naming.py
+++ b/tests/load/weaviate/test_naming.py
@@ -5,6 +5,9 @@
 
 from tests.common.utils import load_yml_case
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @dlt.source
 def small():
diff --git a/tests/load/weaviate/test_pipeline.py b/tests/load/weaviate/test_pipeline.py
index dc23644940..25adc29c89 100644
--- a/tests/load/weaviate/test_pipeline.py
+++ b/tests/load/weaviate/test_pipeline.py
@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@
 from .utils import assert_class, drop_active_pipeline_data
 from tests.load.utils import sequence_generator
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
 def drop_weaviate_schema() -> Iterator[None]:
diff --git a/tests/load/weaviate/test_weaviate_client.py b/tests/load/weaviate/test_weaviate_client.py
index 3f966c2330..11d3f13db9 100644
--- a/tests/load/weaviate/test_weaviate_client.py
+++ b/tests/load/weaviate/test_weaviate_client.py
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@
 
 from .utils import drop_active_pipeline_data
 
+# mark all tests as essential, do not remove
+pytestmark = pytest.mark.essential
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
 def drop_weaviate_schema() -> Iterator[None]: