Do I need an associates degree to be a computer technician ?

A degree is not exactly required for a job like this (but employers may put it as something that they "require"). For this kind of work, being able to fix computers is important. You can learn a lot of PC building/troubleshooting/repairing skills on your own and by reading PC repair books and watching videos. The CompTIA A+ certification can also help you in getting a job in PC repair.

There are certifications which are better than an associates.  

No.
You need to be good a repairing computers to be a computer technician.
But, certification will help get you in the door/hired.

No, you need to know how to repair computers.