MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors
Preflight was normal.  Captain sent away for DCL.  When we received and it said 'Cleared Route Clearance' we were unaware that this was actually a change to our route.  As we departed Newark; we were advised to fly direct BUSKY.  We asked for that to be spelled phonetically and the Controller said it 'was on our Flight Plan.' We told him after SBJ we showed V3 MAISY.  He advised us that we were cleared Direct BUSKY Direct PTW Direct... and that our old routing was incorrect.  We complied with the clearance.  Our DCL said Cleared Route Clearance; and we were unaware that this was actually a revision to our filed clearance.  Upon Landing we contacted Newark Tower via phone and became aware of our mistake. 1.  I do not think that 'Cleared Route Clearance' is significant enough wording to advise you that your route has changed.  It is too close to 'Cleared as Filed' and does not contain the old PDC wording 'Notice Route Change'   2. There has been no hands on training with DCL Clearances.  This has been my second exposure to DCL and first route change.  I have just had training in December with no mention that I recall of DCL procedures.  It has all been through word of mouth with captains and looking at the printouts provided with the release; which evidently wasn't enough to make me aware of the significance of 'Cleared Route Clearance.'  Subsequently I felt I was inadequately prepared to back up the Captain with the DCL Procedure. Hands on training with DCL Clearances during formal training events; to include a route change; and a lesson to highlight the significance of the wording on DCL Clearances and subsequent actions that must be accomplished.
Air carrier First Officer using DCL for the first time receives a clearance starting with 'Cleared Route Clearance' and assumes this means cleared as filed; which is not the case.