diff --git a/backend/app/api/endpoints/step_categories.py b/backend/app/api/endpoints/step_categories.py
index 5d890225..53770bee 100644
--- a/backend/app/api/endpoints/step_categories.py
+++ b/backend/app/api/endpoints/step_categories.py
@@ -94,8 +94,8 @@ async def get_step_category(
     # Check access: global categories visible to all, account categories only to account members
     if category.account_id and category.account_id != current_user.account_id and not current_user.is_super_admin:
         raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=status.HTTP_403_FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="You don't have access to this step category"
+            status_code=status.HTTP_404_NOT_FOUND,
+            detail="Step category not found"
         )
 
     return StepCategoryResponse(