diff --git a/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.test.ts b/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.test.ts
index a1a91a443..fe43719c5 100644
--- a/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.test.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.test.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 import { describe, it, expect } from "bun:test"
-import { BOULDER_CONTINUATION_PROMPT } from "./system-reminder-templates"
+import {
+  BOULDER_CONTINUATION_PROMPT,
+  VERIFICATION_REMINDER,
+  VERIFICATION_REMINDER_GEMINI,
+} from "./system-reminder-templates"
 
 describe("BOULDER_CONTINUATION_PROMPT", () => {
   describe("checkbox-first priority rules", () => {
@@ -35,3 +39,15 @@ describe("BOULDER_CONTINUATION_PROMPT", () => {
     })
   })
 })
+
+describe("VERIFICATION_REMINDER", () => {
+  it("contains node_modules exclusion pathspec in git diff command", () => {
+    expect(VERIFICATION_REMINDER).toContain(":!node_modules")
+  })
+})
+
+describe("VERIFICATION_REMINDER_GEMINI", () => {
+  it("contains node_modules exclusion pathspec in git diff command", () => {
+    expect(VERIFICATION_REMINDER_GEMINI).toContain(":!node_modules")
+  })
+})
diff --git a/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.ts b/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.ts
index c385cf518..ee7db3bb5 100644
--- a/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/atlas/system-reminder-templates.ts
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ Assume the work is broken until YOU prove otherwise.
 
 Do NOT run tests yet. Read the code FIRST so you know what you're testing.
 
-1. \`Bash("git diff --stat")\` - see exactly which files changed. Any file outside expected scope = scope creep.
+1. \`Bash("git diff --stat -- ':!node_modules'")\` - see exactly which files changed. Any file outside expected scope = scope creep.
 2. \`Read\` EVERY changed file - no exceptions, no skimming.
 3. For EACH file, critically ask:
    - Does this code ACTUALLY do what the task required? (Re-read the task, compare line by line)
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ Thinking "it looks correct" is NOT verification. Running \`lsp_diagnostics\` IS.
 
 Read the code FIRST so you know what you're testing.
 
-1. \`Bash("git diff --stat")\` - see exactly which files changed.
+1. \`Bash("git diff --stat -- ':!node_modules'")\` - see exactly which files changed.
 2. \`Read\` EVERY changed file - no exceptions, no skimming.
 3. For EACH file:
    - Does this code ACTUALLY do what the task required? RE-READ the task spec.