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

certification is not a criterion to determine skill or talent.

But for formal settings certificate is a must.

 

Unfortunately I think no, because "certified" indicates the presence of a certificate! Anyhow a person can become a good translator; this does not necessarily need certificates.

Nowadays, people change their professional field just by passing special courses (there are exceptions, but nonetheless). And almost all paid courses offer a certificate at the end. But it is not always demanded - some companies rather look at your skills and experience than at any certificate. 

Hi, I hope you find following links helpful in answering your queries. Please upvote if helped.

Thanks, RM.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Certified-Translator

http://www.atanet.org/certification/

https://study.com/translation_certifications.html

https://atasavvynewcomer.org/2017/04/04/translation-certificate-vs-certification/

I think it will work out sometimes,because nowdays most of the translators depending on their Talent and experience rather than certification.

 personal efforts always lead to success but to be more professional you need to be part of organisation   

I think this depends on the geographic laws within which the individual practice. Surely there is no major difference between college and distance education. Gaining a certified recognition by taking distant courses allows one to practice any profession as it does allow another certified from a college as long as the authorizing body is recognized.