Can someone become a certified translator, just by taking translation courses and without having to go to college?

It depends on which country you work in. Some countries have their own standards in order to reach the point where you get certified, e.g. academic qualification, work/domain experience, etc... Also, one should consider whether he goes for local or international certification. I mean a lot of things are involved here. So, basically different rules for different jurisdictions.

Yes, he could, if only he masters the language with record of sufficient practice. 

A certified translator is not necessarily the best one to handle the process.  Cultural knowledge of the languages involved is the best asset a translator can have, which does not appear to be on the menu for certified translators.

The answer is yes, provided he or she has adequate experience and knowledge of the field.  Institutions offering certification are available in many places. 

Legalities governing this activity are not the same everywhere, and surveying the area where I live and work, many practicing individuals are not certified translators. They simply depend on their knowledge of language and ability to obtain and resort to good dictionaries and translation software.

I believe that you can only be Certified Translator if your are really a qualified, competent and well-versed in your language pairs. If you are so, you should seek a professional translation organization from which you can seek certification and recognition. This is normally done by submitting some primary requirements and then you will be asked to sit for a qualifying exam (agianst a specific fee). when you pass such exam, you you will be given all the previliges and license (including stamp, membership, listing on the related website...etc) to officially practise the profession. But be aware of the false certifications!!  

its possible to be able to understand the meaing but so hard to have the sense that enable him or her to touch the real wanted and exact meaning of the source. 

I don't agree with people who say that it is a skill; translation has to be based on a wide knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and  cutural background which comes from many courses and different specialized instructors. 

i think yeah , and he could be a great one , the translation depends on practicing the languages that you are translating from and into , and depends on a great wide knowledge. 

University Certificate is mandatory for anyone to be officially recognized as translator. However, the certificate is by no means enough to tell that someone is a qualified translator. Work experience is inevitable and is the only means that build your capacity bearing in mind that translation is also a sort of talent.  

i geuss that this person can become certified by taking translation courses and applying them in real texts and documents. it really doesn't matter to go to a college or not; what really matters is how to apply thosE translation principles in real texts. 

actully, it depends on the level of the person who wants to be a translator. some experienced people could be certified translators without having to go to college. those who have experience in working with international companies or who live and practice the language with native speakers.

Translation is a skill to practie not certificate to show. Yes you can, just improve your bi lanuage skills and familiarize yourself with the skills necessary to deliver the meaning of source langauge into the target langauge.