diff --git a/src/_pytest/outcomes.py b/src/_pytest/outcomes.py
index f6093ef76..a220b2cd1 100644
--- a/src/_pytest/outcomes.py
+++ b/src/_pytest/outcomes.py
@@ -57,10 +57,13 @@ class Exit(KeyboardInterrupt):
 # exposed helper methods
 
 
-def exit(msg):
+def exit(msg, returncode=None):
     """ exit testing process as if KeyboardInterrupt was triggered. """
     __tracebackhide__ = True
-    raise Exit(msg)
+    if returncode:
+        raise SystemExit(returncode)
+    else:
+        raise Exit(msg)
 
 
 exit.Exception = Exit