diff --git a/pymc/testing.py b/pymc/testing.py
index 886177ef02..86acff4c19 100644
--- a/pymc/testing.py
+++ b/pymc/testing.py
@@ -1011,10 +1011,12 @@ def mock_pymc_sample():
     model = kwargs.get("model", None)
     draws = kwargs.get("draws", draws)
     n_chains = kwargs.get("chains", 1)
+    var_names = kwargs.get("var_names", None)
     idata: InferenceData = pm.sample_prior_predictive(
         model=model,
         random_seed=random_seed,
         draws=draws,
+        var_names=var_names,
     )
 
     idata.add_groups(
diff --git a/tests/test_testing.py b/tests/test_testing.py
index 105e2f6209..b38eb7e6fe 100644
--- a/tests/test_testing.py
+++ b/tests/test_testing.py
@@ -81,3 +81,18 @@ def test_fixture(mock_pymc_sample, dummy_model) -> None:
     posterior = idata.posterior
     assert posterior.sizes == {"chain": 1, "draw": 10}
     assert (posterior["half_flat"] >= 0).all()
+
+
+def test_mock_pymc_sample_var_names(mock_pymc_sample):
+    with pm.Model() as model:
+        pm.Flat("flat")
+        pm.HalfFlat("half_flat")
+        pm.Flat("other_flat")
+
+    with model:
+        idata = pm.sample(var_names=["flat", "half_flat"])
+    assert set(idata.posterior.data_vars) == {"flat", "half_flat"}
+
+    with model:
+        idata = pm.sample()
+    assert set(idata.posterior.data_vars) == {"flat", "half_flat", "other_flat"}