There are different kinds of engineers: design, electrical, chemical, civil, aeronautical, etc. All require extensive education, including graduate work. Many universities have a College (or School) of Engineering within.
Becoming an engineer requires a minimum of 4 years in college to get a Bachelor of Science degree in the selected engineering field. From there, you can get a Master's degree, usually involving around 1-2 years of school and a thesis. If you want, you can pursue a PhD.
Unless you want to become a sanitation engineer, which is the new politically correct way of saying "janitor" or "custodian," then yes you do need to go to college to become an engineer.
