Switching to HSP 2 question

I had HSP 1 for 5 years when I first arrived but due to a loss of points changed to a specialist visa a couple of years ago. With the new tables and better Japanese, I now have enough points to switch back to HSP. Am I able to switch directly to HSP 2? The application says you must have held HSP 1 for at least 3 years but not sure if the gap is allowed.