Is it possible to get a job in programming JAVA without a degree? Are there JAVA certifications?

Answer 1

Yes, there are java certifications:
http://www.sun.com/training/certification/java/index.xml

You probably need some experience though to get a programming job. You can try to do contract work on a site like rentacoder, or do your own open source project.

Since there are so many java coders already out there, most of whom have a computer science degree, you might try a different language like C# or Visual Basic .NET, which you can get a certification in also:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/default.mspx

Answer 2

Yes, it is possible, but only likely if you have some significant programming experience. Earlier this year I hired someone without a computer science degree, as a programmer... but he had been programming for a couple of years at his previous place of employment.

There is lots of competition for entry-level positions, and people who have relevant degrees will generally be taken before those who don't. Java certification might put you at the head of the line of people without degrees, but when hiring I would value a computer science degree more highly than a Java certification (assuming an entry-level position and no prior programming experience).

Anyone can sit down with a book for a couple of weeks and pass the Java exam, but an information sciences degree implies years of study and a solid overall background.