diff --git a/AutomatedTesting/Gem/PythonTests/automatedtesting_shared/base.py b/AutomatedTesting/Gem/PythonTests/automatedtesting_shared/base.py
index e59282c97b..034930484e 100755
--- a/AutomatedTesting/Gem/PythonTests/automatedtesting_shared/base.py
+++ b/AutomatedTesting/Gem/PythonTests/automatedtesting_shared/base.py
@@ -49,9 +49,11 @@ class TestAutomationBase:
             time_info_str += f"{testcase_name}: (Full:{t} sec, Editor:{editor_t} sec)\n"
             
         logger.info(time_info_str)
+        if cls.asset_processor is not None:
+            cls.asset_processor.teardown()
+
         # Kill all ly processes
-        cls.asset_processor.teardown()
-        cls._kill_ly_processes()
+        cls._kill_ly_processes(include_asset_processor=True)
 
     def _run_test(self, request, workspace, editor, testcase_module, extra_cmdline_args=[], batch_mode=True,
                   autotest_mode=True, use_null_renderer=True, enable_prefab_system=True):
@@ -62,14 +64,16 @@ class TestAutomationBase:
         
         #########
         # Setup #
-        
         if self.asset_processor is None:
+            self._kill_ly_processes(include_asset_processor=True)
             self.__class__.asset_processor = AssetProcessor(workspace)
             self.asset_processor.backup_ap_settings()
-        
-        self._kill_ly_processes(include_asset_processor=False)
-        self.asset_processor.start()    
-        self.asset_processor.wait_for_idle()
+        else:
+            self._kill_ly_processes(include_asset_processor=False)
+
+        if not self.asset_processor.process_exists():
+            self.asset_processor.start()
+            self.asset_processor.wait_for_idle()
 
         def teardown():
             if os.path.exists(workspace.paths.editor_log()):