NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee students would have to pass the U.S. citizenship and immigration services' civic test before getting a high school diploma under legislation advancing in the state House.

The measure sponsored by Republican House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga was approved on a voice vote in a House education subcommittee on Wednesday.

The legislation is similar to other measures being proposed across the country.

In order to pass, the Tennessee bill requires students to answer at least 60 percent of the questions correctly. They will be allowed to take the test as many times as necessary to pass.

The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate Education Committee.