IR MEP renewal - CAA staff examiner or not?

[FlyingGoat]

Could anyone please offer an opinion on this?

Original IR was MEP (many years ago); recent renewal (on 7-year limit) was on SEP with CAA staff examiner.

If I wanted to renew my MEP IR, would that be a CAA staff examiner or industry? (Nothing against CAA examiners, but cost is a factor).

[Whopity]

So long as you have held a valid IR of any type within the last 5 years there is no need to use a CAA FE.

[FlyingGoat]

Many thanks.