Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a face-to-face self-management educational program on knowledge, self-care practice and kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before kidney replacement therapy. Methods: This study employed a nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design. Data were collected from 61 patients with CKD visiting an outpatient department of nephrology in a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea. The experimental group (n=31) took the pre-test, then after 3 weeks, face-to-face education and individualized consultation (1st intervention), after a week of self-practice, the 1st post-test, followed by re-enforcement education and consultation (2nd intervention), and 4 weeks later, the 2nd post-test. The control group (n=30) took the pre-test and post-tests at 4 and 8 weeks. Results: Scores for knowledge of CKD and self-care practice over time improved significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Kidney function did not improve significantly in the experimental group. Conclusion: Health care providers can identify various and individualized needs, and provide effective education and consultation through face to face self-management for patients with chronic irreversible illnesses. Nurses can coordinate for these program by designing and providing systematic and effective education.