$99 is for a background check. They can't just pay for everyone who walks in the door and it's a company based on high morals and honesty and good ethics, as well as the very sensitive information your clients give you. They reimburse every thing else, the license fee can be waved just for passing a practice test online with a 75% and is reimbursed (passing of course) if you pay it in advance. It's a state governed license, not a scam.